US ends coalition mission in Iraq as forces leave Erbil base
US and coalition forces completed their departure from Iraq on September 30, 2026, ending the mission there while counter-Islamic State operations continue in Syria.
In short
- US and coalition forces completed their departure from Iraq on September 30, 2026, ending the mission there while counter-Islamic State operations continue in Syria.
The United States completed the departure of its forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base on September 30, 2026, ending Operation Inherent Resolve’s mission in Iraq, according to US Central Command.
The departure marks a transition toward bilateral defence cooperation with Iraq. It does not end the wider campaign against Islamic State: CENTCOM said the coalition task force remains active, with its headquarters now in Jordan and operations continuing in Syria. [CENTCOM announcement](https://www.dvidshub.net/news/575965/us-forces-end-operation-inherent-resolve-mission-iraq).
Britain’s Ministry of Defence separately confirmed that coalition personnel, including British forces, had left Iraq. It said future cooperation would focus on areas including counterterrorism, military education and capability development under a bilateral partnership. [UK Ministry of Defence statement](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/conclusion-of-the-global-coalitions-military-mission-in-iraq).
Established in 2014, the coalition mission supported partner forces fighting Islamic State. CENTCOM said the withdrawal from federal Iraq began in October 2025 and concluded with the departure from Erbil in September 2026. The change places primary responsibility for Iraq’s security with its government while preserving cooperation with international partners.
Source coverage: [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/30/pentagon-formal-withdrawal-troops-iraq); [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/10/1/iraq-celebrates-sovereignty-day-as-us-troops-complete-withdrawal).
