US Reduces Military Presence in Iraq While Refocusing on Syria
The United States is taking steps to scale back its domestic security operations, notably by decreasing military personnel in Iraq and shifting attention towards combating ISIS in Syria.
This adjustment will involve relocating US troops to the Kurdistan region as they aim to eliminate residual ISIS threats. The US has maintained a military presence in Iraq since the 2003 invasion following 9/11, but significant troop reductions outside of Syria have begun in the latter half of 2024.
According to statements made to Reuters, the Pentagon suggested that these reductions are indicative of success in the campaign against ISIS. Furthermore, they reflect a desire to establish a security partnership between the US and Iraq that aligns with US national interests, the Iraqi Constitution, and a strategic framework agreement between the two nations. This initiative is intended to bolster Iraq’s security and support its economic development and regional leadership.
Currently, about 2,500 US service members remain in Iraq and approximately 500 in Syria as of early 2025. The new withdrawal plan aims to bring troop levels down to fewer than 2,000. In Baghdad, the remaining forces are reportedly shifting their focus to bilateral security, rather than directly engaging in anti-ISIS operations.
Moreover, the previous administration had aimed for additional reductions in troop levels, including plans to withdraw from Syria after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The presence of ISIS has diminished significantly since the peak of its influence in the 2010s, largely due to a targeted military campaign initiated under former President Donald Trump.
The US is committed to maintaining close coordination with the Iraqi government and coalition partners to ensure a smooth transition during this withdrawal process.