A key component of the U.S. military presence in Iraq has shifted, as Iraqi forces have assumed full control of Ayn al-asad Air Base in Anbar province following the complete withdrawal of American troops on Saturday [[1]], [[2]]. The handover of the base, vital in counterterrorism efforts since 2003, reflects a broader trend of evolving security cooperation between the two nations [[3]]. The Iraqi Defense Ministry confirmed the transfer, with the chief of staff overseeing the deployment of the 65th Special Forces Brigade to the strategically vital installation.
The Iraqi military has taken full control of Ayn al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province, following the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces, the Iraqi Defense Ministry announced. The transfer marks a significant shift in the security landscape of western Iraq, where the base has played a crucial role in counterterrorism operations for two decades.
According to the ministry, Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Abdulamir Rashid Yarallah, visited the base to oversee the handover and assess the new deployment of Iraqi troops. Yarallah inspected the base’s infrastructure and logistical capabilities, issuing directives to ensure units are at full combat readiness. “Ayn al-Asad’s strategic importance was emphasized by Yarallah, who stated that high coordination and teamwork among all military branches are necessary to ensure the base’s complete security,” the ministry said in a statement.
The 65th Special Forces Brigade and affiliated battalions have been assigned to secure and administer the base. Iraqi Air Force and Aviation Command headquarters are also now located within the compound, officials confirmed.
Ayn al-Asad Air Base was originally seized by U.S. Marines during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequently became a major logistical hub for American forces in the country’s west. After a period under Iraqi control, U.S.-led coalition forces returned to the base in 2014 following the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS), utilizing it as a central location for air operations and training local forces.
The base served as a critical hub in the fight against ISIS, hosting both air strikes and training programs for allied fighters. The development underscores the evolving security relationship between Iraq and the United States as Iraq takes greater responsibility for its own defense.
