Archive · 18 Jan 2026
US Withdraws from Iraq's Ain al-Asad Airbase
The U.S. military has left a big airbase in Iraq called Ain al-Asad.
This base was used by U.S. and other coalition troops for many years.
The Iraqi army is now in full control of the base.
The U.S. and Iraq had agreed earlier in 2024 to have U.S. troops leave the base.
The plan was for most troops to leave by 2025 and the rest by 2026.
There are still a few U.S. soldiers at the base because of some logistical issues.
The base has been attacked several times in the past by groups supported by Iran, especially after a U.S. military action in 2020.
U.S. forces have withdrawn from Iraq’s Ain al-Asad Airbase, with the Iraqi army assuming full control.
The base previously housed U.S. and coalition troops and has been targeted by Iran-backed groups in the past.
The withdrawal is part of a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad for a shift to a bilateral security relationship.
A few U.S. soldiers remain due to logistical issues, but the initial plan was for most troops to leave by September 2025 and the rest by the end of 2026.
The exact start date of the withdrawal is not clear.
- Who
- Iraqi army and U.S. forces
- What
- U.S. withdrawal from Ain al-Asad Airbase and Iraqi army taking full control
- When
- Withdrawal started at an unspecified date; announcement made on January 17, 2024
- Where
- Ain al-Asad Airbase in Western Iraq
- Why
- Part of a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad for a shift to a bilateral security relationship
- Base Name
- Ain al-Asad Airbase
- Location
- Western Iraq
- Previous Occupants
- U.S. and coalition troops
- Withdrawal Announcement Date
- January 17, 2024
- Initial Withdrawal Plan
- Hundreds of troops to leave by September 2025, rest by end of 2026
