US Forces On Track For September Exit, Iraq Grapples With Militia Challenge

The United States is officially on track to complete the full withdrawal of its forces from Iraq by September 30, 2026, marking the end of a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This significant drawdown, reaffirmed by both Washington and Baghdad, will close a long chapter of US military involvement, handing full security responsibility back to Iraq's own forces. However, this exit comes amid heightened regional tensions and a looming internal challenge: Iraq's push to disarm powerful Iran-backed militias by the very same deadline. This impending pullout stems from a 2024 agreement to wind down the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, reflecting a belief that Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, are now capable of managing the fight against the Islamic State. Yet, the withdrawal is not without complications. US bases in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, like Harir Air Base, have seen attacks since the US and Israel launched a war on Iran in February 2026, adding a layer of regional instability to Iraq's internal security concerns. Looking ahead, the September 30 deadline for Iran-backed militias to surrender their weapons remains a major flashpoint. While some factions have reportedly agreed to place their arms under state control, powerful groups like Kataib Hezbollah have openly rejected the demand, making it unlikely the Iraqi government will fully meet this disarmament goal. With ISIS still posing a threat through sleeper cells and a shift in counter-terrorism operations largely to local actors, Iraq faces a complex security landscape as it enters a new era of self-reliance.