Iraqi Army Takes Over Ain Al Asad Air Base As US Forces Complete Withdrawal

U.S. forces have fully withdrawn from the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq under a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad to wind down the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group. Iraqi officials confirmed that all American personnel and equipment have departed, with the Iraqi Army assuming full control of the base. The withdrawal follows earlier delays linked to developments in Syria. While U.S. forces remain in Iraq's Kurdish region and in neighboring Syria, the move could strengthen Baghdad's position in talks on disarming non-state armed groups.