The Last American Combat Brigade Exits Iraq

August 19, 2024

By The Associated Press

On August 19, 2024, the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, led by John Norris, departed Iraq, marking the end of the American combat mission in the country.

The brigade's departure came seven years and five months after the last American combat troops left Iraq in December 2011. However, a small number of U.S. troops remained in Iraq to train and advise Iraqi security forces.

The withdrawal of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team was part of the Biden administration's plan to end the U.S. military presence in Iraq. The administration had announced in April 2021 that it would withdraw all combat troops from Iraq by the end of 2021.

Timeline of the U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq

* **December 2011:** The last American combat troops leave Iraq. * **June 2014:** The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) launches an offensive in Iraq, capturing large swaths of territory. * **August 2014:** The United States begins airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq. * **October 2014:** The United States deploys ground troops to Iraq to train and advise Iraqi security forces. * **December 2017:** The Iraqi government declares victory over ISIL. * **April 2021:** The Biden administration announces that it will withdraw all combat troops from Iraq by the end of 2021. * **August 19, 2024:** The last American combat brigade leaves Iraq.

Impact of the U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq

The withdrawal of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Iraq is a significant milestone in the U.S.-Iraq relationship. The brigade's departure marks the end of the American combat mission in Iraq, but the United States will continue to provide support to Iraq in other ways, such as through training and advising Iraqi security forces.