Brief

US forces leave Iraq, sparking fears of militia‑driven security vacuum

The final US contingent exited Iraq on Sept. 30, 2026, amid warnings that a power gap could embolden Iran‑aligned militias and the Islamic State.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:42:06 GMT

American forces withdrew from their final bases in Iraq on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, prompting concerns that a security vacuum could be exploited by Iranian‑backed militias and the resurgent Islamic State, according to both Independent and France 24.

What happened

The departure marked the end of a 23‑year US military presence that began with the 2003 invasion, continued through a counter‑insurgency against al‑Qaeda and ISIS, and included a re‑deployment in 2014 to support Iraqi forces. The withdrawal was carried out under the Trump administration after an agreement reached in 2024 during President Joe Biden’s term. Both outlets note that roughly 4,500 American personnel died during the two‑decade engagement.

What the reports add

Independent highlighted that Tehran and its allies celebrated the exit as a victory, while France 24 added that the move was praised by Iranian‑aligned militias. Both sources cite Iraqi analyst Jassim al‑Bahadli warning that “security vacuums can be extremely dangerous.” Independent mentions a fighter from the Badr Organization viewing a poster of Saddam Hussein, whereas France 24 notes that the US returned to Iraq in 2003, left in 2011, and re‑entered in 2014‑2017.

What was said

Jassim al‑Bahadli, an Iraqi security adviser, told Independent and France 24, “The lesson from the past two decades is that security vacuums can be extremely dangerous.”

How it came about

Felo previously reported on the same withdrawal, noting Kurdish officials’ worries about losing US air‑defence systems (US troops complete withdrawal from Iraq as Kurdish region voices security concerns) and the broader timeline of the drawdown (Iraq’s US Troop Withdrawal Highlights Militia Defiance). Earlier coverage also described militia refusals to disarm and the Iraqi government’s plan to integrate them into state forces (US Troops Exit Iraq, Militias Refuse to Disarm).

Key facts

US forces withdrew from their final bases in Iraq on Sept. 30, 2026. (independent.co.uk)
The withdrawal was agreed in 2024 under President Joe Biden and executed by the Trump administration. (france24.com)
Around 4,500 American personnel died during the 20‑year US presence in Iraq. (france24.com)
Iraqi analyst Jassim al‑Bahadli warned that security vacuums are dangerous. (independent.co.uk)