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U.S. completes Iraq withdrawal, ending 12-year ISIS campaign

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 5:17 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. forces formally withdrew from Iraq today, ending a 12-year campaign against ISIS.
Thousands gathered in Baghdad to celebrate the withdrawal, the first large public festivity in over 20 years.
Kurdish residents warned the U.S. departure could threaten Kurdistan and enable an ISIS resurgence.
Pentagon called the departure a milestone but said U.S. will keep training, equipment and intelligence support for Iraq.

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Story summary

U.S. forces formally withdrew from Iraq today, ending a 12-year campaign against ISIS.
Thousands gathered in Baghdad to celebrate the withdrawal, the first large public festivity in over 20 years.
Kurdish residents warned the U.S. departure could threaten Kurdistan and enable an ISIS resurgence.
Pentagon called the departure a milestone but said U.S. will keep training, equipment and intelligence support for Iraq.