A source in Anbar province in western Iraq stated that the US forces, according to agreements with Iraqi authorities, are leaving Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq in batches. The source said, “In recent days, we have witnessed a rapid withdrawal of the international coalition forces from Ain al-Asad base.” He added, “The withdrawal is taking place in large batches towards the Al-Waleed border crossing with Syria.” The US forces use a desert road west of the base to move around Iraq. According to the agreement between Baghdad and Washington, the US-led international coalition against ISIS in Iraq is scheduled to leave by September this year, with the second phase of withdrawal ending by September next year. Media sources reported that US officials informed their Iraqi counterparts about accelerating the withdrawal process and that they would not adhere to the scheduled timeline.

Earlier on Monday, Iraqi media reported that US forces are rapidly withdrawing from Ain al-Asad base in Anbar and Victoria base at Baghdad International Airport.