As the last US troops pack up in Iraq, militias signal their weapons will stay

Live updates

1. 5d ago

   Iraq Declares End of US Military Presence and Sets Disarmament Deadline

   Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi announced on Friday that all United States forces, including military advisers, have departed the country. Baghdad asserts this complete military withdrawal removes any justification for armed factions to retain their weaponry. The prime minister pledged to bring all weapons under strict state control by June 30, 2027. This development forces the Iraqi government to independently manage internal stability, security orders, and the ongoing threat of extremist groups exploiting any resulting security vacuums.

   Why it matters

   Previous efforts by the Trump administration pushed for militia disarmament by September 30, though Iran-backed groups previously signaled intentions to keep their weapons and consolidate their regional influence. The complete departure of American military capabilities shifts total security responsibility onto Baghdad. Regional partners, including Syria, now face the challenge of cooperating to replace the lost capabilities previously supplied by the United States.

   What is confirmed

   • Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi stated on Friday that no United States troops remain in the country, including advisory roles.
   • Baghdad set a deadline of June 30, 2027, to bring all weapons under state control.

   What to watch next

   • Compliance of Iran-backed militias with the June 30, 2027 state-control deadline for weapons
   • Actions by regional partners such as Syria to replace lost United States security capabilities
   • Iraqi government measures to prevent extremist groups from exploiting the security vacuum
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.middleeastmonitor.com — Iraq says no US troops left in the country, not even advisers
   2. www.anews.com.tr — Iraq says no US troops left in the country, not even advisers
   3. www.europesays.com — Iraq says no US troops left in the country, vows to disarm ...
   4. networkbangladesh.com — Iraq Officially Confirms No US Troops Remain, Including in ...
   5. www.arabtimesonline.com — Iraq Declares End of US Military Presence, Sets Deadline to ...
   6. tribune.com.pk — Iraq says no US troops left in the country, not even advisers
   confidence 100%
2. 11d ago

   Iraqi Militias Retain Arms After US Military Exit

   Iraq's Iran-backed militias remain armed despite a Trump administration push for disarmament by September 30. While these groups signal restraint, they are consolidating their positions to influence the country's future security order. The departure of the final American troop contingent leaves the Iraqi government to manage stability independently, though concerns persist that extremist groups could exploit the resulting security vacuum. Regional partners including Syria must now cooperate to replace the capabilities previously provided by the United States.

   Why it matters

   The US military maintained a presence in Iraq for over a decade to combat ISIS. This withdrawal marks a shift toward full Iraqi sovereignty but creates a void in counter-terrorism infrastructure.

   What is confirmed

   • The last US troops have left Iraq.
   • The Trump administration pushed to disarm Iran-backed militias by September 30.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Extremist groups could exploit a security vacuum to return.
   • Iraq is attempting to dismantle militias while balancing Iranian influence.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of ISIS resurgence in the security vacuum
   • Formal agreements between Iraq and Syria to replace US security capabilities
   • Legislative moves by the Iraqi government to integrate militias into state structures
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.defenseone.com — US withdrawal won’t end the region’s ISIS dilemma - Defense One
   2. www.iraq-businessnews.com — Why US Pressure Cannot Disarm Iraq's Militias
   3. www.alestiklal.net — Iraq's Struggle for Militia Integration Amid U.S. Pressure ...
   4. www.atlanticcouncil.org — Iraq’s militias are adjusting for a new era, not going away
   5. www.dw.com — As US troops leave, Iraq faces new challenges - dw.com
   confidence 90%
3. 14d ago

   Trump declares victory as Operation Inherent Resolve ends in Iraq

   President Donald Trump announced the formal conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve following the departure of the final American troop contingent on September 30, 2026. Trump described the withdrawal as a "decisive victory over ISIS" and a win for both the United States and Iraq. This exit shifts the security architecture of the country, leaving the Iraqi government to manage domestic stability and foreign relations independently after more than a decade of US military presence.

   Why it matters

   The withdrawal follows a US-Iraq security agreement signed in September 2024. This transition removes a primary target for regional strikes but leaves Iraqi authorities to deter remaining Islamic State cells. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi had previously promised to disarm the nation's armed factions.

   What is confirmed

   • The final contingent of American troops left Iraq on September 30, 2026.
   • President Donald Trump declared the end of Operation Inherent Resolve a "decisive victory over ISIS."

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's pledge to disarm armed factions
   • Evidence of remaining Islamic State cell activity post-withdrawal
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. rasanah-iiis.org — The Iraqi Scene Post-US Military Withdrawal
   2. ddindia.co.in — "Last American Forces leaving Iraq": Trump announces end of ...
   confidence 100%
4. 16d ago

   Militia Disarmament Tests Post-US Iraq

   American forces finished leaving Iraq on September 30 after more than a decade of military presence. Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr dissolved his two armed groups, the Promised Day Brigade and Saraya al Salam, on the exact day American troops departed. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi previously pledged to President Donald Trump that his administration would disarm the country's armed factions. The departure of US forces removes a primary target for regional strikes, leaving Iraqi authorities to independently tackle domestic security gaps, deter remaining Islamic State cells, and establish a monopoly on armed power.

   Why it matters

   The military withdrawal follows the formal conclusion of the United States-led coalition mission in federal Iraq. Regional actors and political leaders are now maneuvering for influence as the Iraqi state attempts to consolidate armed power under its own control.

   What is confirmed

   • American forces left Iraq on September 30 after more than a decade.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iran has launched over a thousand attacks on Iraqi territory in eight months, most of them on the Kurdistan Region.

   What to watch next

   • Whether other armed factions will follow Moqtada Al Sadr in dissolving their militias
   • Actions taken by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to enforce his disarmament pledge to President Donald Trump
   • How Iraqi authorities handle domestic security and remaining Islamic State cells following the US exit
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.19fortyfive.com — Iraq After the US Military Withdrawal: Militia Disarmament ...
   2. fixthenews.com — Iraq's Al Sadr dissolves militias, pivots to nationalist ...
   confidence 85%
5. 19d ago

   Iraqi PM Pledges Militia Disarmament to Trump

   Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi faces a severe political and security test after pledging to President Donald Trump that he would disarm the country's armed factions. The diplomatic commitment follows the formal conclusion of the US-led coalition military mission in federal Iraq on September 30, 2026. While the exit removes a primary target for regional strikes, authorities must independently confront domestic security gaps and deter remaining Islamic State cells. Meanwhile, regional actors and political leaders maneuver for influence as the state attempts to establish a monopoly on armed power.

   Why it matters

   The departure of foreign forces leaves Baghdad to manage powerful domestic factions and external military pressures alone. During the 2026 Iran war, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against several Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militias, which responded with rocket and drone attacks on American and Kurdish bases. Prominent cleric Al Sadr is simultaneously pushing against militias to position himself as a statesman following the military exit.

   What is confirmed

   • Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi pledged to President Donald Trump that he would disarm the country.
   • The US-led coalition military mission in federal Iraq ended on September 30, 2026.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The 2026 Iran war prompted US and Israeli airstrikes against several Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militias, leading to retaliatory rocket and drone strikes on US and Kurdish bases.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's plan to bring militia weapons under state control by June 2027.
   • Security developments regarding remaining Islamic State cells and counterterrorism support.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.alestiklal.net — Al-Zaidi's Pledge to Trump: A Defining Test for the Future of ...
   2. www.usmilitaryarchive.com — 2026 United States-led conflict with pro-Iranian Iraqi militias
   3. www.middleeastmonitor.com — Iraq cannot restore its sovereignty by disarming militias ...
   4. www.thenationalnews.com — Iraq's Al Sadr seeks statesmanship with push against militias ...
   5. www.washingtoninstitute.org — The Islamic State in Iraq After the U.S. Withdrawal
   6. theconversation.com — Iraqi Kurds sees opportunities – and risks – in the ...
   confidence 90%
6. 21d ago

   Iraq Grapples With Militia Power Following US Withdrawal

   Iraq faces mounting controversy over Iran-backed militias following the complete withdrawal of United States forces on September 30, 2026. While Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi celebrates the exit as a milestone of national sovereignty and pushes to bring militia weapons under state control by June 2027, several factions continue to resist disarmament. Baghdad officials and security experts now weigh how the nation will independently handle remaining Islamic State cells and powerful Iran-aligned groups, even as Popular Mobilization Forces members were recently photographed driving over an American flag.

   Why it matters

   The departure of American forces ends Operation Inherent Resolve and a multi-year military presence, shifting the burden of internal security entirely to the Iraqi state. Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi aims to centralize state authority, but the refusal of certain factions to lay down arms presents a direct challenge to the government's monopoly on force. Diplomats must now manage a political environment where powerful armed groups retain substantial influence.

   What is confirmed

   • The last United States troops left Iraq on September 30, 2026, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command.
   • Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi is pushing to bring militia weapons under state control by June 2027.
   • Popular Mobilization Forces members were photographed driving over an American flag.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Several militia factions reportedly agreed to disarm while others continue to resist.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the Iraqi government successfully brings militia weapons under state control by June 2027
   • How Iraqi security forces handle remaining Islamic State cells without American military support
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.longwarjournal.org — US flag trampling, militia disarmament dispute mark Iraq’s ...
   2. www.jpost.com — Iran-backed militias in Iraq determined to retain power
   3. news.lee.net — US troops are gone from Iraq, but ISIS remains. What comes next?
   4. nolabels.org — U.S. Troops Leave Iraq After 23 Years: What's Left and What ...
   5. responsiblestatecraft.org — Despite war US military is leaving a stronger Iraq behind
   confidence 100%
7. 25d ago

   US completes Iraq withdrawal as Baghdad delays militia disarmament

   The United States military has finished withdrawing all troops and equipment from Iraq, including the closure of Erbil Air Base. This ends Operation Inherent Resolve and a 12-year mission against ISIS. While Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi describes the exit as a sovereignty milestone, the Iraqi government has delayed the disarmament of Iran-backed militias until June 2027. These militias claim victory and state they will stop attacks following the US departure, though Kurdish forces express concern over the loss of American air defenses.

   Why it matters

   The US intervention in Iraq spanned over twenty years, with the most recent phase focusing on the defeat of ISIS starting in 2014. The transition to full Iraqi sovereignty creates a security vacuum that may be filled by Iran-aligned groups. Ongoing ISIS threats remain a primary concern for regional stability.

   What is confirmed

   • The US military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, ending the coalition mission launched in 2014.
   • Operation Inherent Resolve has concluded with the closure of Erbil Air Base.
   • Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi stated the war on terror will continue.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iran-backed militias will cease attacks now that the US military has withdrawn.
   • Kurdish forces fear the loss of US air defenses.
   • Militia disarmament has been delayed until June 2027.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of militia disarmament progress toward the June 2027 deadline
   • Reports of renewed ISIS activity following the US exit
   • Changes in Kurdish security posture without US air support
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.thenationalnews.com — Iraq hails 'important milestone' and militias claim victory ...
   2. www.ynetnews.com — US completes Iraq withdrawal after 12-year ISIS mission as ...
   3. www.latintimes.com — U.S. Closes Last Major Base in Iraq as Baghdad Struggles to ...
   4. www.upr.org — Iraq's Iranian-backed militias say it'll cease attacks once U ...
   5. www.yahoo.com — US troops are gone from Iraq, but ISIS remains. What ... - Yahoo
   confidence 90%
8. 29d ago

   U.S. Troops Leave Iraq After Over Twenty Years of Intervention

   United States military forces have concluded more than twenty years of intervention by leaving Iraq, though tens of thousands of soldiers remain stationed across the wider Middle East. This departure follows the recent conclusion of the 12-year anti-ISIS mission and Operation Inherent Resolve. While American personnel withdraw from Iraqi territory, regional security concerns persist as Iran-backed militias retain their weapons and Washington maintains financial pressure. The exit marks a significant shift in regional military posture, though broader geopolitical tensions tied to ongoing conflicts involving the United States and Iran continue to affect stability.

   Why it matters

   The withdrawal of American forces from Iraq ends a prolonged military footprint that began over two decades ago. Despite the departure of these troops, the broader Middle East continues to host tens of thousands of U.S. service members. The resulting security dynamics in Iraq remain precarious as local authorities take over security responsibilities amidst armed non-state actors.

   What is confirmed

   • United States troops have finally left Iraq after over 20 years of intervention.
   • Tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers remain stationed in the wider Middle East region.

   What to watch next

   • Further drawdowns of U.S. forces in the remainder of the Middle East
   • Developments regarding the disarmament or activity of Iran-backed militias in Iraq
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.last.fm — Last.fm | Play music, find songs, and discover artists
   2. dictionary.cambridge.org — LAST | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   3. www.dictionary.com — LAST Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
   4. reason.com — U.S. Troops Finally Leave Iraq. When Are They Leaving the Rest of the Middle East?
   5. my.clevelandclinic.org — Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST) - Cleveland Clinic
   confidence 100%
9. 31d ago

   US Completes Iraq Troop Withdrawal as Militias Retain Arms

   The United States military has completed its troop withdrawal from Iraq, ending a 12-year anti-ISIS mission and Operation Inherent Resolve on Wednesday. Iraq marks national Sovereignty Days amid the exit, transitioning to Iraqi-led security. However, Iran-backed militias remain armed, creating a volatile security vacuum as Washington maintains financial pressure over disarmament. The departure occurs against the backdrop of an ongoing war between the United States and Iran that has occasionally spilled over into the region.

   Why it matters

   The departure follows an agreement struck two years ago to wind down the American military presence as the threat from ISIS wanes. The United States previously warned Baghdad to disarm Iran-aligned factions or face severed dollar transfers, testing the central government's control. Kurdish populations also face rising fears as foreign forces pull back from the region.

   What is confirmed

   • The United States military completed its troop withdrawal from Iraq and ended its combat mission.
   • The withdrawal ends a 12-year anti-ISIS mission and Operation Inherent Resolve.
   • Iraq is marking national Sovereignty Days as foreign troops depart.
   • Iran-backed militias remain armed following the departure of US forces.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Kurdish fears are rising as the last US troops exit the country.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the Iraqi government successfully disarms Iran-aligned militias under US financial pressure
   • Potential actions by Iran-backed armed groups following the American departure
   • The stability of Kurdish regions amid the new security arrangement
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — Iraq begins high-stakes security balancing act as US troops withdraw
   2. wtop.com — The US military says its withdrawal of troops from Iraq is ...
   3. www.foxnews.com — U.S. military deadline hits to end Iraq combat mission after ...
   4. gulfnews.com — US military says withdrawal of troops from Iraq is complete
   5. www.newsweek.com — American Troops Leave Iraq With a Warning for Iran
   confidence 100%
10. 45d ago

    US to Withdraw All Troops from Iraq by September 30 Amid Militia Standoff

    The United States will remove all remaining troops from Iraq by September 30. Washington has warned the Iraqi government to disarm Iran-aligned militias by the same date or face a halt in dollar transfers. While the US exits, Iraqi militias have indicated they will keep their weapons. This creates a volatile security vacuum as Iraq struggles to manage militia influence while maintaining its financial ties to the US.

    Why it matters

    Iraq serves as a primary friction point between US and Iranian interests. The inability of the Iraqi state to disarm these groups threatens regional stability, as evidenced by attacks on Saudi pipelines.

    What is confirmed

    • The US will pull all remaining troops from Iraq by September 30.
    • The US warned Iraq to disarm militias by September 30 or dollar transfers will stop.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Iraqi militias signal their weapons will stay after the US withdrawal.
    • A Saudi pipeline attack exposed the potency of Iraqi militia threats.
    • Iraq is caught between a US-Iran war and the September 30 deadline.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of militia disarmament actions before September 30
    • US decision on dollar transfers after the deadline
    • Official confirmation of the final troop departure date
    Sources used for this update (7)

    1. Kurdistan24 — U.S. Warns Iraq: Disarm Militias by Sept. 30 or Dollar Transfers Stop
    2. Financial Times — Saudi pipeline attack exposes potent Iraqi militia threat
    3. Reuters — Why is US ally Iraq unable to disarm Iran's militia allies?
    4. شفق نيوز — Shafaq News..Iraq caught between US-Iran war and September 30 deadline
    5. AP News — As the last US troops pack up in Iraq, militias signal their weapons will stay
    6. Atlantic Council — Ten questions (and expert answers) on the final withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
    7. wng.org — U.S. to pull all remaining troops from Iraq by Sept. 30 | WORLD
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