Iraq begins high-stakes security balancing act as US troops withdraw
Iraq is marking the withdrawal of US troops with a national holiday while Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi attempts to consolidate state authority. The government aims to transition from military reliance to economic cooperation while simultaneously working to weaken the influence of pro-Iran militias.
Why it matters
The US withdrawal marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, testing Iraq's ability to maintain internal security and sovereignty amidst regional tensions.
Iraq marks national ‘Sovereignty Days’ as US troops depart, but must navigate risks of new security landscape.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A member of Iraq's security forces is seen in Baghdad's Tahrir Square [AFP] By Joseph Stepansky Published On 29 Sep 2026 29 Sep 2026 Iraq is set to hold four “Sovereignty Days”, a national holiday marking the complete withdrawal of US troops from the country and underscoring the deep symbolism of the exit after more than two decades of foreign intervention.
Wednesday’s withdrawal deadline affirmed the exodus of a few hundred remaining US soldiers in the country, who have served in advisory roles in a coalition operation against ISIL (ISIS) first launched in 2015.
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