### Iraq Completes Full Withdrawal of US Forces: A New Chapter in Military Relations - On January 18, 2026, Iraq's government announced the completion of the full withdrawal of US forces from its federal territory, marking a significant milestone in the country's military autonomy. This withdrawal excludes the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, where US troops remain stationed. The final contingent of US advisers departed from Al-Asad Airbase, a key military facility in western Iraq, as part of a broader agreement established between Washington and Baghdad in 2024 to reduce the US military presence in the region [https://kesq.com/news/national-world/cnn-world/2026/01/18/iraq-announces-full-withdrawal-of-us-forces-from-its-federal-territory]. ### Structure of the Withdrawal and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Agreement**: - The withdrawal is part of a 2024 agreement aimed at winding down the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq, with a target completion date set for September 2025 [https://newsfeel.com/iraqi-forces-take-over-key-base-following-us-withdrawal]. 2. **Control of Military Facilities**: - Following the withdrawal, the Iraqi army has assumed full control of Ain al-Asad Airbase, which had been a significant hub for US operations in the region [https://libyaupdate.com/the-iraqi-army-fully-takes-over-the-administration-of-ain-al-asad-airbase-after-the-withdrawal-of-american-forces]. 3. **Strategic Context**: - The withdrawal aligns with ongoing efforts to consolidate regional security and counter ISIS, as the Iraqi military takes on a more prominent role in national defense [https://newsfinale.com/us/us-troops-withdraw-from-key-iraq-airbase-as-regional-strategy-against-isis-advances]. 4. **Future of US-Iraq Relations**: - The completion of this withdrawal may reshape the dynamics of US-Iraq relations, as Iraq seeks to establish greater sovereignty over its military operations while still navigating the complexities of regional security threats [https://timesnewsnetworks.com/us-troops-pull-out-of-major-iraq-airbase-amid-ongoing-regional-consolidation-effort-progress-against-isis]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Timeline of Events**: - January 17, 2026: US forces officially announce their withdrawal from Ain al-Asad Airbase [https://mynorthwest.com/world/iraqi-army-fully-takes-over-key-base-following-us-withdrawal/4189435]. - January 18, 2026: Iraqi Ministry of Defense confirms full control of the airbase by Iraqi forces [https://hodhodyemennews.net/en_us/2026/01/18/iraqi-army-assumes-full-control-of-ain-al-asad-airbase-after-complete-us-withdrawal]. - **Key Metrics**: - **US Troop Presence**: The withdrawal signifies a reduction in US military personnel in Iraq, which had been a contentious issue since the onset of the Iraq War. - **Operational Control**: The Iraqi army's assumption of control over Ain al-Asad Airbase represents a critical step in Iraq's military independence. ### Conclusion: A Transformative Shift in Iraq's Military Landscape - **Major Findings**: 1. **Completion of US Withdrawal**: The full withdrawal of US forces from Iraq's federal territory marks a pivotal moment in the country's military history [https://swedenherald.com/article/iraq-last-us-soldiers-have-left-federal-areas-of-the-country]. 2. **Iraqi Military Control**: The Iraqi army's takeover of Ain al-Asad Airbase signifies a shift towards greater self-reliance in national defense [https://internationalnewsandviews.com/iraq-us-withdrawal-ayn-al-asad-base-full-control-transfer-395396-2]. 3. **Future Relations**: The evolving dynamics between the US and Iraq will likely influence regional security strategies and the fight against ISIS [https://devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3773570-us-forces-exit-ain-al-asad-iraq-takes-control]. This comprehensive overview highlights the significance of the US withdrawal from Iraq and its implications for the future of Iraqi sovereignty and regional security.