Operation Inherent Resolve

American forces closed their last major air base in Iraq Wednesday after more than two decades.

The withdrawal from Erbil Air Base in the northern Kurdistan Region (see map) marks the formal conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve, the anti-ISIS mission that the U.S. and Iraq agreed to begin wrapping up in 2024 (see a timeline of the conflict).

Washington is transitioning to a “bilateral defense relationship” with Baghdad, providing training and intelligence support.

President Trump touted the “victory” for the U.S. and Iraq over ISIS, “which has been completely decimated,” and Iraq’s PM marked “the completion of national sovereignty.” Iran-backed militias celebrated the drawdown of “occupation forces,” while some Iraqi and Kurdish security officials warn the withdrawal gives Islamic State cells more breathing room to regroup, further destabilizing the region amid the Iran war.

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Verse to consider when a chapter closes and the future is uncertain… “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”
Proverbs 3:5-7 (NLT) (read full passage)