US Completes Withdrawal from Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced on January 17 that U.S. forces have fully withdrawn from the Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq's Anbar Province, with the base now under complete Iraqi military control. According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, following the withdrawal, Iraqi Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Yarallah, inspected the Al-Asad Airbase. Recognizing the base's strategic importance, Yarallah directed enhanced coordination and cooperation among all deployed units to ensure the security of the facility.

The Al-Asad Airbase is Iraq's second-largest airbase and has served as a key hub for the U.S.-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State (ISIS). In recent months, Iraqi military officials have emphasized their readiness to assume full responsibility for security operations. Deputy Commander of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, Mohammed al-Huassai, stated last month that Iraq and the international coalition had reached an agreement to end the coalition's mission in the country. As a result, the multi-national force would 'fully withdraw' from Al-Asad and hand over control to Iraqi forces.

The U.S. initially invaded Iraq in 2003, leading to a prolonged conflict. By late 2011, the majority of American troops had withdrawn, leaving behind only a small contingent. However, the rise of ISIS in 2014, which seized large swathes of western and northern Iraq, prompted an international response. The coalition returned to Iraq to combat the extremist group, significantly increasing its military presence.

In December 2017, the Iraqi government declared victory over ISIS, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. Yet, the presence of ISIS remnants and ongoing security challenges necessitated continued international support. In September 2024, the Iraqi government and U.S. officials reached an agreement to conclude the coalition's military mission against ISIS within Iraq by the end of the following year.

The withdrawal from Al-Asad Airbase symbolizes a shift in the role of international forces in Iraq, as the country moves toward greater autonomy in its security operations. It also underscores the evolving nature of the global fight against terrorism, where local forces are increasingly taking the lead.