Iraqi Army Fully Assumes Control of Ain al-Asad Air Base After US Forces Withdraw

Following the complete withdrawal of US forces from Ain al-Asad air base, the Iraqi Army has taken full control. This transition aligns with the US-Iraq agreement to reduce military presence by September 2025.

US forces have completely left an air base in western Iraq, as per an agreement with the Iraqi government, according to Iraqi officials. The US and Iraq had agreed in 2024 to reduce the US-led coalition's presence fighting the Islamic State group by September 2025. Although most forces have left, a small group of US military advisers and support staff remained until now.

The Iraqi Army has now taken full control of the Ain al-Asad air base following the US withdrawal. Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, the Iraqi Army Chief of Staff, managed the transition of responsibilities to various military units at the base. He instructed authorities to boost efforts, improve collaboration among units, and fully utilise the base's strategic advantages.

US Forces' Strategic Presence

Despite the withdrawal from western Iraq, US forces still maintain a presence in northern Iraq's Kurdish region and in Syria. This continued presence is part of broader strategic interests in the region. The departure from Ain al-Asad could influence discussions on disarming non-state armed groups in Iraq, as some groups have used the US presence as a reason to keep their weapons.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had previously mentioned that developments in Syria necessitated keeping a small unit of 250 to 350 advisers and security personnel at Ain al-Asad. However, all US personnel have now left the base. Al-Sudani stated in July that once the coalition withdrawal is complete, "there will be no need or no justification for any group to carry weapons outside the scope of the state."

Implications for Iraqi Sovereignty

A Ministry of Defense official confirmed that all American equipment has also been removed from Ain al-Asad. This official spoke anonymously as they were not authorised to speak publicly on the matter. The absence of a statement from the US military leaves some aspects of this withdrawal unaddressed.

The full withdrawal may empower the Iraqi government in negotiations concerning disarmament of armed groups within its borders. With US troops no longer present at Ain al-Asad, these groups may find it harder to justify retaining their arms.

This development marks a significant step in Iraq's journey towards greater sovereignty and control over its military bases. The transition reflects ongoing efforts to stabilise and secure Iraq's future without foreign military presence on its soil.

With inputs from PTI