00:00The United States has begun what could mark the final chapter of its military presence
00:05in Iraq.
00:07According to sources cited by Al-Monitor, U.S. forces have started withdrawing from
00:12positions near Erbil International Airport in Iraq's Kurdistan region, with Patriot
00:18Air Defense systems already removed from the area.
00:22The move is part of the bilateral agreement between Washington and Baghdad that calls
00:27for the withdrawal of conventional U.S. forces from Iraq by September 30, 2026.
00:34Sources say the drawdown began last week.
00:38Most personnel and heavy military equipment have already departed, while the Patriot missile
00:44batteries that once protected the Erbil compound have reportedly been redeployed to an undisclosed
00:50location.
00:52Although defensive systems remain in place, U.S. Central Command has declined to comment
00:57on the reported redeployment.
01:00If completed on schedule, the withdrawal will mark the first time since the 2003 U.S.-led
01:06invasion that Iraq has no conventional American military presence.
01:11The timing is drawing particular attention because it comes after months of repeated missile
01:17and drone attacks targeting American and coalition facilities across Iraq's Kurdistan region.
01:24Iran and Iran-backed armed groups have repeatedly targeted positions around Erbil during the broader
01:32regional confrontation involving the United States and Iran.
01:36Throughout that period, Patriot missile batteries played a critical role in intercepting incoming
01:42threats.
01:43The systems protected not only American personnel, but also nearby civilian infrastructure and facilities
01:50used by Kurdish authorities.
01:54Military observers say the decision reflects changing strategic priorities.
01:59According to sources familiar with the matter, limited interceptor inventories and growing air defense
02:05demands elsewhere in the Middle East influenced Washington's decision.
02:10With increased security requirements in the Gulf and Jordan, officials reportedly no
02:15longer viewed Erbil as the highest priority for scarce Patriot systems.
02:21The withdrawal has also generated concern among Kurdish officials.
02:26Some feared the removal of advanced air defenses could leave the Kurdistan region more vulnerable
02:32if missile or drone attacks resume.
02:34The move could also affect Allied deployments.
02:39Germany has reportedly indicated it may reduce or withdraw its own limited military presence near
02:45Erbil, citing the absence of American Patriot protection.
02:49Washington has presented the withdrawal as the implementation of a long-standing agreement
02:55with the Iraqi government.
02:57American officials have emphasized that the future relationship with Iraq will increasingly focus
03:03on security cooperation, training, intelligence sharing, and economic partnerships, rather than a large conventional troop presence.
03:12Analysts note, however, that while conventional combat forces are leaving, smaller advisory missions
03:19or special operations cooperation could continue under separate bilateral arrangements.
03:24Those details have not yet been officially confirmed.
03:28For Iraq, the withdrawal represents another milestone in restoring greater control over its own security affairs.
03:37For the Kurdistan region, however, the departure raises difficult questions about future deterrence and regional stability.
03:44As the September deadline approaches, attention will remain focused on whether additional security arrangements are announced
03:52to fill the gap left by departing U.S. forces and the removal of one of America's most advanced missile
04:00defense systems.
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