BAGHDAD — U.S. forces ended their mission in Iraq on Wednesday after more than two decades of war there, raising fears of a security vacuum that would embolden Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias and allow the Islamic State to regroup.
A member of the Iraqi security forces gestures as they drive in a convoy through the city as they celebrate the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq, ending a military presence that began after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, in Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 30.
The last U.S. troops in Iraq, part of a coalition to fight the Islamic State group, were slated to leave the country on Wednesday under an agreement between Baghdad and Washington. As the Iraqi army officially takes over the coalition’s remaining bases, the government is seeking to strengthen its military capabilities and reaffirm its sovereignty.
Members of the Hashid Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) drive in a convoy moving through the city as they celebrate the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq, ending a military presence that began after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, in Najaf, Iraq, Sept. 30.
A member of the Iraqi security forces gestures as they drive in a convoy through the city as they celebrate the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq, ending a military presence that began after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, in Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 30.
Members of the Hashid Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) drive in a convoy moving through the city as they celebrate the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq, ending a military presence that began after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, in Najaf, Iraq, Sept. 30.
