The US military has accelerated preparations for withdrawing troops from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, with the transfer of key bases to Iraqi security forces scheduled for completion by September 30, according to Iraqi government officials.
What Happened
Under an agreement reached between the United States and Baghdad in 2024, the process of troop withdrawal and base transfer from the Kurdistan Region will be completed by September 30. Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi confirmed in a press conference that the process is moving forward in an organized manner.
“The process is moving forward in an organized manner and by September 30 these installations will be under the control of Iraqi security institutions,” al-Aboudi told reporters.
Base Transfer Process
According to the government spokesman, coordination with the international coalition is ongoing, with records from various locations being prepared for handover to relevant Iraqi forces. The transfer process is being managed through high-level military planning to ensure smooth completion.
Liaison teams from both sides are holding regular meetings as part of the organized withdrawal process. Local Kurdish officials have noted an unusual acceleration in US military movements in recent days.
Recent Developments
Earlier this month, reports emerged of US military convoys and equipment transfers being observed in Erbil, leading to speculation about an accelerated withdrawal timeline. The Iraqi government’s statement is the first official confirmation of the September 30 deadline for the withdrawal process.
Scope of Withdrawal
Officials did not specify how many military personnel would depart Iraq or how many bases would be transferred to Iraqi forces. The US-led international coalition has supported Iraqi forces against ISIS since 2014 and has also used these locations for operations in Syria.
Future Cooperation
The Iraqi government has emphasized that cooperation with the United States and other allied countries will not end entirely. Bilateral security cooperation will continue in various fields, including air defense, intelligence and counterterrorism.
Background
Following ISIS’s territorial defeat in 2017, Baghdad pushed to transition the coalition mission from a combat role to advisory, intelligence and security cooperation. The 2024 agreement formalized this transition and set the framework for the current withdrawal process.
What’s Next
The focus now shifts to completing the base transfers and troop withdrawals by the September 30 deadline. Iraqi security forces are expected to assume full control of the installations, while continued security cooperation will maintain counterterrorism capabilities in the region.
Conclusion
The US troop withdrawal from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region marks a significant milestone in the transition of security responsibilities to Iraqi forces. While the coalition mission ends, ongoing bilateral cooperation ensures continued support for Iraq’s security needs.
