NEW DELHI: The United States is set to complete the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Iraq by September 30, bringing an end to the US-led coalition's military mission in the country. The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to wind down coalition operations against Islamic State and transition security responsibilities to Iraqi forces.

Most US forces had already left bases across Iraq, with the remaining contingent based largely in the northern Kurdistan region. The final troops are expected to leave as Iraqi security forces, including Kurdish Peshmerga units, take greater responsibility for counterterrorism operations. The US and Iraq are expected to continue security cooperation under a future bilateral framework.

The withdrawal comes at a sensitive time for Iraq, where Iran-backed armed groups continue to maintain significant influence. Iraqi security officials and regional analysts have also raised concerns that gaps created by the departure of coalition forces could provide opportunities for Islamic State sleeper cells to regroup or carry out attacks.

The United States originally withdrew from Iraq in 2011 but returned in 2014 after Islamic State captured large areas of Iraq and Syria. The militant group lost its territorial control in Iraq in 2017, although remnants and sleeper cells continue to operate in parts of the country.

The end of the US military mission marks a significant shift in Iraq's security landscape, with Baghdad now expected to rely primarily on its own forces while managing relations with both Washington and Tehran.