In this March 27, 2020 file photo, U.S. soldiers stand guard during the hand over ceremony of Qayyarah Airfield, Iraqi Security Forces, in the south of Mosul, Iraq. The U.S. withdrawal from Iraq was put into motion by president Joe Biden in 2024. (Ali Abdul Hassan/The Associated Press)
US preparing to end formal military operations in Iraq: WSJ
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- Washington will preserve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities operating within Iraqi airspace.
- US forces removed a Patriot air defense battery from Erbil, shifting remaining defenses to protect diplomatic posts.
- A US Marine detachment will stay to guard diplomatic facilities, backed by clear warnings to Baghdad to curb militia attacks.
The United States is in the process of concluding its formal military operations in Iraq, according to a War Department official cited by The Wall Street Journal.
While the formal combat mission concludes, the US intends to retain strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities that can be deployed within Iraqi territory.
Patriot missile battery withdrawn
US officials told The Wall Street Journal that the military has withdrawn a Patriot air defense missile battery previously stationed in the vicinity of Erbil in northern Iraq.
Officials specified that any remaining air defense systems maintained within the country will be refocused primarily on safeguarding American diplomatic installations.
Marines retained for diplomatic security
To ensure the safety of American personnel, US officials confirmed to WSJ that a contingent of US Marines will remain deployed in Iraq to protect diplomatic missions.
Additionally, a US official stated to WSJ that Washington has communicated clearly to the Iraqi government regarding the critical importance of preventing attacks by Iran-backed militia groups against American forces and facilities.
