US forces initiate final withdrawal from Iraq
United States military forces have begun their final departure from remaining bases in Iraq, marking the end of a two-decade presence. The withdrawal is being framed as a strategic victory by Iranian officials and their regional proxies, who are expected to fill the security vacuum left by the departing coalition forces. This shift significantly alters the regional power balance in the Middle East as the US-Iran conflict continues.
Date: September 29, 2026
Location: Middle East, Iraq
Conflict: Iraq Conflict
Category: ground battle
Severity: HIGH
Source: Reuters