Story perspectives

U.S. withdraws from Erbil Air Base, ending 23-year presence

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC · How we work

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Iranian attack risk

U.S. forces withdrew from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq on September 30, 2026, ending a 23-year military presence.
Iraqi officials and Kurdish leaders warned the pullout could leave Kurdistan vulnerable to Iranian attacks and an IS-IS resurgence.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi proclaimed September 30 “Sovereignty Day” and a phase of stronger Iraqi institutions.
Iraqi security officials reported IS-IS cells planning attacks to exploit the withdrawal, confirming the threat.

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Trump celebrates victory

U.S. forces withdrew from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq on September 30, 2026, ending a 23-year presence.
President Donald Trump hailed the pullout as a decisive victory, declaring the United States was ‘getting the hell out of there.’
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said mission defeated ISIS and handed security to Iraqi forces.
Kurdish officials warned losing U.S. air-defense systems raises vulnerability after 1,000+ Iranian drone attacks.

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Iraq sovereignty handover

U.S. forces withdrew from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq on September 30, 2026, ending a 23-year presence.
The pullout implements the 2024 U.S.–Iraq agreement, shifting the partnership to a bilateral defense framework with continued U.S. training and intelligence support.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the departure ends Operation Inherent Resolve, the 12-year anti-ISIS campaign.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared October 1 “Sovereignty Day,” marking the handover to Iraq’s institutions.

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Iranian attack risk

U.S. forces withdrew from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq on September 30, 2026, ending a 23-year military presence.
Iraqi officials and Kurdish leaders warned the pullout could leave Kurdistan vulnerable to Iranian attacks and an IS-IS resurgence.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi proclaimed September 30 “Sovereignty Day” and a phase of stronger Iraqi institutions.
Iraqi security officials reported IS-IS cells planning attacks to exploit the withdrawal, confirming the threat.

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