The United States closed its last major military base in Iraq on Wednesday, formally ending its combat mission there as Baghdad faces pressure to bring Iran-backed militias under state control and prevent Islamic State remnants from regaining ground.
Coalition forces and equipment departed Erbil Air Base as the U.S. and its partners formally concluded Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, the Pentagon said. The withdrawal completes a timetable agreed by Washington and Baghdad in 2024 and leaves Iraqi forces with primary responsibility for the country's security.
