US Army soldiers have completed their full withdrawal from the American base in Baghdad, concluding a military presence that began with the 2003 US-led invasion targeting Saddam Hussein’s regime. Al Jazeera’s Jack Hewson provides coverage from Baghdad as military aircraft depart the capital.
Published On 29 Sep 2026
The departure marks the end of nearly two decades of continuous US military operations in Iraq’s capital city. The withdrawal represents a significant shift in American foreign policy and military strategy in the Middle East region.
Military officials confirmed that all remaining personnel and equipment have been successfully relocated, with transport aircraft departing Baghdad’s international airport throughout the morning. The closure of the base signals the conclusion of one of the longest-running overseas deployments in recent US military history.
Local Iraqi officials expressed mixed reactions to the departure, acknowledging both the end of a controversial military presence and concerns about regional stability moving forward.
The withdrawal follows years of diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iraqi governments regarding the future of American military operations in the country.
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