How does Iraq’s security change after US forces withdraw?

Iraq is celebrating "Sovereignty Days" from September 30 to October 3 to mark the complete withdrawal of US-led coalition forces, ending over two decades of foreign military presence. This withdrawal, finalized on September 30, 2026, concludes the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL's operations in Iraq, which began in 2014. The departure includes US military personnel and crucial equipment like air defense systems, raising concerns, particularly in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, about security against drone and missile attacks. Iraq asserts its forces are capable of handling reconnaissance and air operations, and is pursuing new air defense systems from South Korea, Turkiye, and the United States to ensure airspace protection.

The last UK and US troops have departed Iraq, concluding a mission to combat the Islamic State group. This withdrawal fulfills a two-year-old agreement and was a significant demand of the Iraqi government. During their deployment, coalition forces provided training and assistance to over 111,000 Iraqi Security Forces and Peshmerga. The RAF conducted thousands of strikes against IS targets and is expected to continue missions in Syria. The US will maintain targeted training and intelligence support for its Iraqi partners, while the coalition's joint taskforce is now based in Jordan. US forces will also continue their IS mission in Syria. This marks the third withdrawal of US and UK forces from Iraq, following deployments in 1991 and 2003.

Iraq's security forces marked 'Sovereignty Day' with parades in Baghdad and Najaf. This celebration coincided with the withdrawal of US troops from the country. The events highlight Iraq's assertion of its independence and control over its territory as foreign military presence diminishes. The parades served as a public demonstration of national pride and the strengthening of Iraqi security capabilities.