Iraq Declares Four-Day ‘Sovereignty Days’ As US Troops Complete Withdrawal

Iraq is marking the completion of the US military withdrawal with four days of “Sovereignty Days”. The withdrawal ends the US-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq after more than two decades of American military involvement. At the same time, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government is pursuing a plan to bring weapons held by armed groups under state control, with the disarmament target set for June 2027.

Iraq is set to mark the completion of the withdrawal of US troops with four days of national holidays, a move intended to symbolise the country’s return to full control of its territory after more than two decades of American military involvement.
The government has designated four days as “Sovereignty Days” following the completion of the US-led coalition’s military withdrawal. The final US forces are leaving Iraq under a phased agreement reached between Baghdad and Washington.
The withdrawal formally ends the US-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq, which was established to support Iraqi forces in their fight against the Islamic State group, also known as ISIL or ISIS.

A SYMBOLIC END TO MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF US MILITARY PRESENCE

The departure carries particular significance because the US military presence in Iraq dates back to the 2003 invasion that toppled former President Saddam Hussein.
Although American troops withdrew from Iraq in 2011, they returned several years later as part of the international campaign against ISIS after the armed group captured large areas of Iraq and Syria.
The coalition’s role later shifted towards advising, training and providing intelligence and other support to Iraqi security forces. By the time of the final withdrawal, only a few hundred US personnel remained in the country.

IRAQ SEEKS GREATER CONTROL OVER ITS SECURITY

The end of the US military mission also comes as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government seeks to strengthen the authority of the Iraqi state.
A major part of that effort is the government’s plan to bring weapons held by armed groups under state control. The process is expected to be completed by June 2027.
The issue is particularly sensitive because some of Iraq’s most powerful armed factions are aligned with Iran and maintain significant political and military influence.
While the government wants weapons and armed activity placed under state authority, some militia groups have indicated that they are not prepared to surrender their weapons, creating a major challenge for Baghdad.

SECURITY QUESTIONS REMAIN AFTER THE US EXIT

The withdrawal does not mean Iraq is completely free from security threats.
ISIS lost control of the large territories it once occupied after Iraqi and international forces defeated the group territorially in 2017. However, the group continues to maintain sleeper cells and remains capable of carrying out attacks.
The departure of US forces also means Iraqi security forces will have to take greater responsibility for intelligence, surveillance and other security operations previously supported by Washington.
The US withdrawal has also raised questions about the balance of power among Iraq’s political and armed groups, particularly those with close links to Iran.

A NEW TEST FOR IRAQI SOVEREIGNTY

For Baghdad, the withdrawal represents more than the departure of foreign soldiers. It is also a test of whether Iraq can exercise greater control over its security without relying on foreign military forces.
The government now faces the difficult task of maintaining stability, preventing an ISIS resurgence and bringing armed groups under state authority while managing its relationships with the United States, Iran and other regional powers.
The four-day Sovereignty Days therefore mark both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for Iraq, with the Iraqi government taking greater responsibility for the country’s security and political stability.