Iraq observed a public celebration following the exit of the last United States military personnel from its territory, an event reported by Middle East Eye. The withdrawal, completed in the Kurdistan region, was presented by Iraqi authorities as a milestone in the country's effort to restore full sovereign control over its security affairs.
Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi led the official response, describing the departure as a victory for the Iraqi state. He participated in a series of public appearances that underscored the symbolic importance of the move, framing it as a step toward greater national autonomy.
Despite the celebratory tone, the Prime Minister also noted that the removal of foreign troops has not translated into a decisive reduction of armed militia activity within Iraq. The persistence of these groups continues to pose a challenge to the government's ability to enforce a unified security framework across the country.
The withdrawal marks the end of a long‑standing foreign military presence that had been a feature of Iraq's post‑2003 security landscape. While the departure is being hailed domestically, officials acknowledge that the underlying security dynamics, particularly the influence of non‑state armed actors, remain largely unchanged.
Observers cited by Middle East Eye indicated that the celebration reflects a broader desire among Iraqis for complete control over national defense matters. However, the limited success in restraining militia forces suggests that the country will need to address internal security reforms alongside the diplomatic implications of the U.S. pull‑out.
The event underscores a transitional phase for Iraq, balancing the symbolic achievement of ending foreign troop deployment with the practical realities of maintaining internal stability in the face of entrenched militia networks.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iraq-celebrates-last-us-troops-withdraw-country.