US Completes Iraq Troop Withdrawal, Israel Worries About Iran's Influence

The United States is concluding its military presence in Iraq, withdrawing all remaining troops after more than two decades. The operation, which began after the 2003 invasion, involves the closure of nine U.S. bases and facilities across the country. Some of these locations housed air defense systems previously used by American forces to counter Iranian threats.

Key facilities being vacated include Victory Base near Baghdad's international airport, once a major command and logistics hub, which has been handed over to Iraqi counter-terrorism forces. The Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province, utilized for reconnaissance and strikes, and Camp Union-3 in Baghdad's "Green Zone," along with the Harir base in Iraqi Kurdistan, a vital intelligence and drone operations center, are also being evacuated.

At its peak in 2007, the U.S. had approximately 170,000 troops in Iraq. Following a significant drawdown, forces were redeployed in 2014 to combat the Islamic State. In recent years, the U.S. contingent numbered around 2,500 soldiers, supported by about 1,000 coalition and NATO personnel focused on training and advisory roles.

The withdrawal includes the dismantling of sophisticated air defense systems, such as Patriot batteries and C-RAM systems, which were deployed to intercept Iranian missile and drone attacks. The personnel responsible for operating these systems are also departing.

Israel is closely monitoring the U.S. withdrawal, viewing it as a potential removal of a significant deterrent against Iran in Iraq. Pro-Iranian groups in Iraq have already declared the U.S. departure a victory. Concerns are mounting that the Iraqi army may struggle to counter Iran-backed militias independently. Additionally, the leader of Iraqi Kurdistan has expressed worries about increased vulnerability to attacks without U.S. defense systems. There are also fears that the security vacuum left by the U.S. could allow the Islamic State to regroup and destabilize the region anew.