The Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced today that US forces have withdrawn from the Ain al-Assad Airbase, located in the western part of the country. The complete handover of the base to the Iraqi Army marks a significant step in the ongoing security transition.
According to a statement released by the Ministry, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army, oversaw the distribution of tasks and responsibilities to various military units within the base following the American withdrawal. The Iraqi Army now assumes full control and management of Ain al-Assad.
This development follows agreements reached between Washington and Baghdad in 2024 regarding the phased withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq. While the exact timeline of the initial withdrawal remains undisclosed, the established plan outlined the departure of hundreds of soldiers by September 2025, with the remaining forces scheduled to leave by the end of 2026.
Ain al-Assad has served as a key base for US and coalition forces for several years. During periods of regional tension, it has been targeted by attacks from armed groups with ties to Iran, particularly following the US assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
While the majority of US personnel have departed, sources within the Iraqi Army indicate that a small number of military personnel remain to address logistical issues. Further details were not provided, citing security concerns.
The Ministry of Defense also stated that the Chief of Staff was accompanied by senior military officials during his visit to the base, including the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, commanders of the ground and air forces, the Army Aviation, the Assistant Director of Military Intelligence, the Head of the Security Media Cell, and other high-ranking officers. Yarallah also monitored the security handover process, overseeing the deployment of military units within the base.
The withdrawal from Ain al-Assad represents a tangible shift in the security landscape of Iraq. DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. This is a developing story.
