U.S. Completes Transfer of Ain al-Asad Airbase to Full Iraqi Military Control
The United States has withdrawn from the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq, handing complete control of the facility over to Iraqi government forces.
The information was published on the official Facebook page of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
The withdrawal of U.S. troops was carried out under a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, signed in September 2024.
The drawdown of the contingent is part of planned phases to reduce the U.S. military presence in the country.
Iraq has now assumed full responsibility for the security and operation of the strategic facility. Despite the change in control, the United States and Iraq continue to cooperate in the field of security, though now within a consultative framework rather than through the direct involvement of combat units.
The Ain al-Asad Airbase had long served as a key hub for international coalition operations against terrorist groups.
The facility remained the main U.S. stronghold in western Iraq under Operation Inherent Resolve. Units of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions provided the primary combat strength at the base.
These forces were responsible for perimeter defense and for coordinating ground operations in the desert areas of Anbar Province.
The air component of the base supported the elimination of ISIS terrorist cells in Iraq and Syria.
It is worth noting that Iraqi political and military circles have been exerting pressure on the U.S. government, advocating for the withdrawal of coalition forces, including approximately 2,500 American troops stationed at several bases across the country.
In early 2024, the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani issued a statement announcing the formation of a committee that would “take steps toward the final termination of the presence of international coalition forces in Iraq.”
An Iranian missile strike in August 2024 targeted the base. As a result of the attack, five U.S. service members were wounded.
