U.S. forces complete withdrawal from Iraq after two decades
Source Summary
U.S. military forces are withdrawing from their final bases in Iraq by Wednesday, ending a military presence that began in 2003. The departure marks the conclusion of a conflict in which 4,500 American service members died over more than two decades. Iran and its allies view the withdrawal as a strategic victory and have consolidated significant influence in Iraq.
Why it matters
The complete withdrawal ends the longest U.S. military engagement of the post-Cold War era and shifts the regional balance of power toward Iran.
