Story perspectives

Iraq Declares Full Control as U.S. Pullout Looms

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 2:58 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Kurdish officials warn

Kurdish officials warned the U.S. pullout removes critical air-defense systems after over 1,000 drone and missile attacks.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi extended the militia disarmament deadline to June 2027.
Security analysts said ISIS sleeper cells plan suicide attacks timed with the withdrawal.
Iran-aligned Kataib Hezbollah hailed the exit as the beginning of full sovereignty.

Summary

Iraq Sovereignty Day Ceremony

Iraqi Media Network held a ceremony in Baghdad to mark Iraq’s Sovereignty Day.
Thaer al-Ghanimi declared Iraq now controls its security, borders, waters and airspace.
Karim Hamadi thanked staff for covering the coalition handover and announced coverage of economic, civil, tourism and youth sectors.
Mayor Ammar Musa Kadhim pledged Baghdad will lead Iraq’s construction, reconstruction and development.
Coverage of Sovereignty Day began on September 1 after a month of preparatory meetings.

History

Historical Context

After the 2003 invasion, the United States kept about 170,000 troops in Iraq, spending roughly $1 trillion, before completing a full withdrawal in December 2011. Today, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and mayor Ammar Musa Kadhim repeat the 2011 sovereignty call as U.S. forces pull out again, while militia Kataib Hezbollah claims control, raising fears of renewed ISIS activity.

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Kurdish officials warn

Kurdish officials warned the U.S. pullout removes critical air-defense systems after over 1,000 drone and missile attacks.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi extended the militia disarmament deadline to June 2027.
Security analysts said ISIS sleeper cells plan suicide attacks timed with the withdrawal.
Iran-aligned Kataib Hezbollah hailed the exit as the beginning of full sovereignty.

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