Pentagon Confirms Troop Reduction in Iraq

The US Department of Defense announced on Tuesday that it will begin reducing its military presence in Iraq, describing the move as a reflection of the joint success achieved in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).

US officials said that troop numbers will fall to fewer than 2,000 soldiers, down from about 25,000 deployed at the start of 2025. The reduction follows earlier reports that forces would withdraw from key bases, including Ain al-Asad in Anbar Province and Victoria base near Baghdad International Airport.

The United States has led an international coalition against ISIS in Iraq and Syria since 2014, after the extremist group seized vast territories in both countries. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Barnell said in a statement that scaling back combat operations represents a shared victory and marks a shift toward a permanent security partnership between Washington and Baghdad.

Iraq’s Coordination Framework, an alliance of ruling political forces, welcomed the announcement, calling it a step that strengthens Iraq’s sovereignty and transforms the US–Iraq relationship from a battlefield presence into a strategic partnership. According to coalition sources, the new phase will focus on cooperation in security, economics, and technology, enhancing Iraq’s national capabilities.

A senior US military official noted that ISIS no longer poses a sustained threat to the Iraqi government or the United States from Iraqi soil. He described the progress as a major achievement that allows Iraq to take greater responsibility for its own security.

The Pentagon stressed that the transition aligns with US national interests, the Iraqi constitution, and the US–Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. The partnership is expected to support both American and Iraqi security, boost Iraq’s economic growth, attract foreign investment, and strengthen its regional leadership role.

Washington also pledged to maintain close coordination with the Iraqi government and international coalition partners to ensure a smooth and responsible transition.