U.S, Italy complete troop withdrawals from Iraq
Departures mark a major shift as Baghdad takes greater responsibility for security
Baghdad: The United States and Italy have completed the withdrawal of their remaining troops from Iraq after years of military missions against Islamic State and in support of Iraqi security forces.
The US withdrawal ends more than two decades of military involvement that began with the 2003 invasion. American troops later returned in 2014 to help Iraqi forces fight Islamic State after the group seized large parts of the country.
Italy ended its 12-year military presence in Iraq on Tuesday. Its troops had supported the US-led campaign against Islamic State and the NATO mission to train Iraqi security forces.
The withdrawals come as Iraq assumes greater responsibility for its security. Iraqi officials have said the end of the international military mission does not mean the threat from Islamic State has ended.
Security officials have also raised concerns over remaining militant cells and the influence of Iran-backed armed groups.
The US and Italian departures mark a significant change in Iraq's security arrangements.
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