Last British and American Troops Leave Iraq After Decade of Military Presence

After more than a decade of military presence, the last British and American troops have left Iraq. This marked the end of the international coalition's mission to defeat the extremist Islamic State (IS) group. The withdrawal, coordinated with US forces, brings a significant shift in Iraq's security landscape.

"Iraq's transition to a phase in which it assumes full responsibility for its security and stability" said Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, following the end of the coalition's mission. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the coalition's departure from Irbil marked "the successful conclusion of the military mission that defeated [IS] in Iraq".

British and US forces have been present in Iraq since 2014. The coalition's mission, known as Operation Inherent Resolve, aimed to defeat IS and provide training and capacity building to Iraqi Security Forces.

The exit of the remaining 100 UK military personnel, who departed on Wednesday, brings an end to the mission. This was also led by the Regiment Gunners, a unit of the Kurdistan Region's military.

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A landmark agreement between the US and Iraqi governments has paved the way for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraq by month's end. The deal, inked two years ago, marks a significant shift in the country's security landscape.

As the US forces depart, Iraq's government is now grappling with the complex task of disarming Iranian-backed militias, a challenge that promises to be a defining test of its authority.

According to a United Nations report, Iraqi security forces have successfully contained the remnants of the Islamic State, forcing the group to significantly scale back its operations. The report notes that the Iraqi Security Forces.

In collaboration with the Kurdish Peshmerga, have achieved a lasting territorial victory over Daesh in Iraq, positioning them to assume primary responsibility for the country's security.

The US plans to cut off military aid to key Middle East ally, Saudi Arabia. This comes after its involvement in strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, which were attacked 28 times in a day. The Pentagon has confirmed a sustained commitment to training and intelligence assistance, led by Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson.

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The withdrawal of US forces also marks a significant shift in the region's geopolitics. The Pentagon's Central Command has stated that the US will continue to work with its allies in the region. This includes Saudi Arabia, to address the growing threat of terrorism.

The exit of the remaining UK military personnel brings to an end a decade-long military presence in Iraq. And the country is now poised to take a major step forward in its own security and stability.

The Iraqi government is now set to receive ongoing support from the US. With the Pentagon confirming a sustained commitment to training and intelligence assistance. The partnership is expected to play a important step in helping Iraq build its capacity to counter the growing threat of terrorism.