Baghdad, Jan 18 (V7N) — The Iraqi army has assumed full control of the strategically important Ain al-Assad air base in western Iraq following the phased withdrawal of US troops, according to the country’s Ministry of Defense. The development was reported by Reuters.

The air base, a key installation for the US-led coalition forces, is now completely managed and secured by Iraqi military personnel. An Iraqi military official stated that some US personnel remain temporarily for logistical purposes, but they are not involved in any operational or combat activities.

The base has historically been a target of attacks by pro-Iranian armed groups, particularly during the regional tensions after the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.

The US withdrawal from Iraq began as part of a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad, stipulating a gradual exit of coalition forces. Under the plan, a significant number of US troops were withdrawn by September 2025, with complete withdrawal scheduled for the end of 2026.

Analysts note that while Iraqi control of Ain al-Assad marks a milestone in the country’s security independence, regional stability concerns remain, given the volatile geopolitical dynamics in the area.

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