US Military Preparing to Fully Withdraw from Remaining Iraqi Bases

The United States military is reportedly preparing to complete its full withdrawal from its final remaining military bases in Iraq by Wednesday. This strategic move is being viewed by Iran and its backed militant factions as a major strategic victory and a failure of the American project in the region. According to Iraqi security analysts, the departure of American troops will grant Tehran significantly broader freedom of movement, thereby strengthening its political and security influence in Iraq. However, analysts also warn that the total pullout could potentially create a vacuum, allowing extremist groups like ISIS to resurface. The U.S. initially invaded Iraq in March 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein's government. Over the course of its more than two-decade military presence in the country, the U.S. has lost over 4,500 military personnel.