Staff Reports
The Pentagon quietly closed a long chapter in the fight against ISIS this week: U.S. forces finished an orderly withdrawal from Erbil Air Base, marking the end of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. CENTCOM says the job in Iraq is done, at least in its current form, while the fight against ISIS will continue from a new base of operations and through local partners.
What happened: Erbil withdrawal and CJTF‑OIR moves to Jordan
U.S. Central Command announced that the last troops and equipment left Erbil, completing a planned drawdown that officials call an “orderly departure.” The Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF‑OIR) remains active, but its headquarters has relocated to Jordan. Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, praised the service members, diplomats, and civilian staff who served under the mission name, saying their work reduced ISIS from a territorial proto‑state to a much smaller insurgent threat.
Security implications: ISIS is weakened, not gone
The outcome is what commanders hoped for: Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, are now expected to carry the main burden of keeping ISIS at bay inside Iraq. That’s a big step, but it is not a finish line. ISIS still exists as dispersed cells and a terrorist network. U.S. and coalition activity will continue in Syria and the region, conducted from Jordan and through intelligence sharing, advising, and strikes as needed. At the same time, Iranian‑backed militias and other bad actors in the neighborhood remain a wild card that could undo gains if left unchecked.
Why this matters politically — planned pullout, not panic
This handoff was planned under an agreement between Washington and Baghdad, and it looks nothing like the chaotic exit critics still cite from other theaters. Call it disciplined withdrawal or smart power management: troops came home on schedule, equipment was accounted for, and bases were handed over without headlines about troops clinging to landing gear. That matters. President Trump’s administration has touted “peace through strength,” and a coordinated, orderly transition like this bolsters the argument that the United States can wind down missions when conditions allow — without surrendering influence or abandoning partners.
What to watch next
The next few months will tell the real story. Watch how Iraqi leaders handle security, whether the Peshmerga sustain capability, and how Jordan‑based CJTF‑OIR coordinates strikes and intelligence in Syria. Congress and the public should also demand clear numbers on remaining U.S. personnel and the terms of any bilateral security arrangements replacing the coalition footprint. For now, celebrate the return of troops from Erbil — and keep an eye on the region, because “mission accomplished” never meant “threat over.”
