In a significant development, US forces will fully withdraw from all territories in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, as confirmed on November 17, 2024. This decision follows a series of increased attacks on US troops by Iranian-backed groups, prompting a reevaluation of the military presence that has been in place since the 2003 invasion [e5ffb6b3].
The withdrawal aligns with the Strategic Framework Agreement between the US and Iraq, as stated by Jabbar Yawar, who emphasized that the US will adhere to this framework during the transition. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has taken proactive steps by forming committees to oversee the withdrawal process [e5ffb6b3].
This announcement comes on the heels of a joint statement made in September 2024, which indicated that the US-led coalition's military mission in Iraq is set to conclude by September 2025. Hundreds of coalition forces are expected to leave by this deadline, with the remainder scheduled to withdraw by the end of 2026 [e5ffb6b3].
In light of these developments, Sheikh Mohammed al-Tamimi, the leader of the Faylaq al-Waad al-Sadiq militia, had previously expressed a desire for improved relations with US forces, despite the militia's history of conflict with them. His remarks on November 14, 2024, highlighted the importance of peace, even as the militia continues to resist US presence and advocate for Palestinian rights [a856b987].
The ongoing situation remains complex, with the US military still engaged in operations against Islamic State leadership in Iraq. A recent operation on August 31, 2024, resulted in the deaths of 15 IS operatives, underscoring the commitment of US forces to combat terrorism while navigating the intricate dynamics of local militias and their evolving relationships with the US [21a9bed6].