The US completes the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq and ends the coalition that fought the Islamic State for 12 years

The United States Department of Defense confirmed on Wednesday the completion of its military withdrawal from Iraq. This action marks the formal conclusion of the international coalition that had been engaged in combat operations against the Islamic State for the past twelve years.

The withdrawal signifies a major shift in the U.S. military footprint in the region, ending a presence that spanned twenty-three years. The transition concludes the mission of the international coalition, which was originally established to counter the territorial and operational influence of the Islamic State.