What happened
The US military has declared an end to its anti-ISIS operation in Iraq, known as Operation Inherent Resolve. The operation was launched in 2014 to confront the terrorist group ISIS. According to the Department of Defense, all US-led coalition forces and equipment have been withdrawn from a key base in northern Iraq, marking the successful conclusion of the military mission.
The US military has stated that ISIS has been defeated as an organized military threat in Iraq and across the region. However, it is noted that this does not mean ISIS ceases to exist. The mission has pushed ISIS from controlling any significant territory, but the group still poses a threat.
The end of the mission was agreed upon several years ago between the US and Iraq, with a plan to transition to a more bilateral relationship between the two countries. The US will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to Iraqi partners, but the primary responsibility for addressing Iraq's remaining security challenges now rests with the Government of Iraq.
The withdrawal of US forces comes at a volatile moment for Iraq and the region, with many Iraqis concerned about a potential resurgence of extremist groups and the expanding influence of Iran-backed militias. Despite the government's public optimism, several religious and ethnic minority groups harbor serious doubts about the central government's ability to keep these forces in check on its own.
