The International Coalition forces have begun withdrawing from their bases in Iraq towards Syria and Erbil. With the start of the first phase of the coalition’s withdrawal in September 2025, troop numbers in Erbil will gradually reduce from about 2,000 to less than 500 soldiers. Baghdad asserts its readiness and capability to maintain security and protect borders, while Washington warns of the risks of ISIS resurgence from Syrian territories. Iraq aims to transform its partnership with the coalition from a military focus to economic and diplomatic cooperation, maintaining long-term security plans to avoid repeating the 2014 scenario. The Iraqi government has a five-year security plan to secure the more than 600 km border with Syria, emphasizing high-level coordination with the Syrian Democratic Forces controlling large areas east of the Euphrates and with Damascus authorities.

A senior US delegation is expected soon in Baghdad and Kurdistan to discuss the withdrawal and related security, political, and economic issues. Despite challenges in Syrian government negotiations with the SDF, Iraq’s Defense Minister considers the coalition’s presence in Syria necessary, linking Iraq’s security integrally with Syria’s. The US Embassy in Baghdad recently expressed deep concern over ongoing operations and regional expansions of ISIS and Al-Qaeda, reaffirming priority on partnerships to combat terrorism. Iraqi security officials highlight that the border is now fortified since 2017, with the Iraqi forces more experienced, better equipped, and possessing advanced strategic plans and intelligence monitoring to counter threats from Syria.