US Troops Exit Iraq Base After ISIS Threat Drops

American troops have left Ain al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, completing a withdrawal that military officials say shows just how far the country has come in defending itself against terrorism.

The departure, finished by Friday, is part of a broader effort to reposition U.S. forces in the region. But the reason behind it tells a much bigger story.

"ISIS in Iraq doesn't pose a threat beyond Iraq's capacity to handle on their own," a U.S. official told Fox News. After years of training, support, and joint operations, Iraqi security forces are now capable of protecting their homeland without constant American presence on the ground.

The consolidation allows U.S. troops to focus their efforts in Syria, where ISIS remnants still operate. Forces are moving outside federal Iraqi territory to concentrate on areas where the terrorist group remains active.

The shift comes alongside continued military operations against ISIS in Syria. In January, U.S. and partner forces conducted large-scale strikes as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeting ISIS infrastructure and fighters across multiple locations.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized the importance of cooperation moving forward. He called for teamwork among Syrian partners and coordination with American forces to keep pressure on ISIS while supporting regional stability.

Why This Inspires

This withdrawal represents something rarely celebrated in news coverage: a successful mission winding down because it achieved its goals. Iraqi forces stood up, learned, and grew strong enough to stand on their own.

The progress didn't happen overnight. It took years of training programs, joint patrols, shared intelligence, and Iraqi soldiers willing to risk everything for their country's future. Today, they're doing exactly what the partnership was designed to accomplish.

While challenges remain in neighboring Syria, the Iraqi chapter shows what's possible when nations commit to building local capacity rather than permanent dependence. Iraqi forces aren't just holding ground. They're defending it themselves.

The American troops who served at Ain al-Asad and across Iraq helped create something that will outlast any single deployment: a capable Iraqi military ready to protect its people.