Iraq’s Ministry of Defense announced the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Ain al-Asad Air Base in Anbar Province, under a security agreement stipulating the gradual end of the international coalition’s presence.

Iraqi forces have regained full control of the facility, one of the largest used in the fight against ISIS.

The base has been repeatedly targeted over recent years by Iran-backed armed groups, especially after the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. The phased pullout will continue through the end of 2026.