After more than two decades of American military presence, the final U.S. troops have completed their orderly withdrawal from Erbil Air Base in Iraq, marking the definitive end of a long and complex chapter. This significant milestone, announced by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on September 30, signals the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, a 12-year campaign that successfully countered ISIS.
President Donald Trump wasted no time in celebrating the withdrawal, unequivocally framing it as a resounding victory for the United States and a fulfillment of his America First agenda. Taking to Truth Social, President Trump highlighted the decision as a triumph, stating, "This Day is a victory for the United States, a victory for Iraq, and a decisive victory over ISIS, which has been completely decimated by the Trump Administration, First Term, along with other very bad and dangerous players."
He further added, "We came to fight a caliphate. There is no longer a caliphate. We are going home!" This powerful declaration underscores a core tenet of the America First philosophy: bringing American service members home after achieving their mission, rather than entangling the nation in endless wars born of "very bad decision-making."
Speaking later at the White House, President Trump reinforced his stance, making a crucial distinction between this withdrawal and past missteps. "I had a choice to stay or to leave, and felt, without question, that it was time for America to go home," he asserted. In a clear contrast to the widely criticized and chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal of August 2021, which saw substantial U.S. equipment left behind and the tragic loss of 13 service members, President Trump emphasized the meticulous planning behind the Iraq departure.
"We left all of the equipment, if you remember, in Afghanistan. Everything was left behind," he stated, highlighting the stark difference. "I said, 'I want every screw taken. If there’s a screw lying on the ground, take it.' ... We took everything." This commitment to an "orderly departure" showcases a responsible approach to military disengagement, prioritizing American resources and the safety of our troops.
The U.S. military’s journey in Iraq began with Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, leading to the removal of Saddam Hussein. After a withdrawal in 2011, forces returned in 2014 to combat the rising threat of ISIS. Now, with the U.S. military’s departure, Iraq’s government assumes full responsibility for its own security, supported by a more normal bilateral relationship.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the success, noting, "This milestone reflects the success of a 12-year campaign that defeated ISIS as an organized military threat in Iraq and across the region." CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper lauded the "grit, sacrifice, and professionalism" of American service members, asserting that ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat and Iraqi security forces are now capable of managing threats to their homeland.
While Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi hailed the U.S. withdrawal as the dawn of a "new phase" for Iraqi sovereignty and military readiness, concerns linger among some officials. The Kurdish regional government’s Peshmerga Ministry expressed deep concern over regional instability and the lack of an alternative air defense system, especially given recent attacks by drones and ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Iran-aligned groups celebrated the exit, with Kataib Hezbollah terrorist group official Abu Mujahid al-Assaf proclaiming it "the beginning of full sovereignty" – a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape America leaves behind.
Ultimately, this withdrawal stands as a testament to American strength and resolve under decisive leadership. It underscores the America First principle that U.S. military power should be used strategically to secure our nation's interests, decimate threats like ISIS, and then bring our brave men and women home, avoiding endless entanglements. It's a victory for common sense, for national security, and for the promise of a revitalized America focused on its own citizens and its destiny.
