Militias in Iraq remain defiant as the last US troops pack up to leave

Members of Saraya al-Salam react during a ceremony in the city of Samarra on June 4, 2026, marking their separation from the Sadrist movement and their integration into the Iraqi security forces - (AFP via Getty Images)

As the end of the month approaches, Iraq faces two major deadlines: the conclusion of a decades-long U.S. military deployment and the required disarming of non-state paramilitary groups.

With the U.S. draw-down already in progress, officials confirm that the remaining hundreds of troops stationed in northern Iraq will depart prior to the Sept. 30 cutoff.