The United States has withdrawn its forces from Ain al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq, transferring full control to the Iraqi army.

The broader context involves the coalition wind-down and ongoing discussions about security arrangements in Iraq after the U.S. pullout.

The move signals Baghdad’s increased sovereignty and autonomy in managing its military infrastructure and basing decisions.

The U.S. retains a presence in northern Iraq’s Kurdish region and in neighboring Syria, but not at Ain al-Asad.

There has been no immediate U.S. military statement on the withdrawal, though U.S. forces remain in the Kurdish region and in neighboring Syria.

There is emphasis on leveraging the base’s strategic location and capabilities for Iraqi security efforts post-withdrawal.

Reuters reported the transition with involvement from U.S. and Iraqi authorities overseeing the handover.

The transition reflects evolving U.S.–Iraq relations as Iraq takes greater responsibility for national defense and security operations.

The Iraqi army fully assumed control of Ain al-Asad air base after U.S. forces completed their withdrawal, following a 2024 agreement that aimed to wind down the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS by September 2025.

Iraq’s Ain al-Asad Airbase, once home to U.S.-led coalition forces, has fully transitioned to Iraqi Army control, according to the Iraqi defense ministry on January 17, 2026.

An Iraqi army colonel confirmed the withdrawal but noted a small number of soldiers remain due to logistical issues, with no further details provided for security reasons.

Initial plans under the 2024 agreement aimed for a full pullout by September 2025, but a small U.S. unit remained due to developments in Syria; that unit has now departed.