According to what was reported by ‘Alsumaria News’ from informed sources today, Friday, American forces have begun withdrawing from the base since last Thursday evening. The network stated that ‘some personnel and equipment have been airlifted from the base,’ pointing out that sources have said ‘this step is the first of its kind at the base.’
According to what the network reported from Iraqi security sources, it is expected that the ‘Ain al-Assad’ base will be completely evacuated by next September. Since the start of the withdrawal, the base has witnessed intensive movements of American forces, through convoys carrying military vehicles and equipment out of it.
It is noteworthy that this withdrawal comes as part of a bilateral agreement previously concluded between Washington and Baghdad, stipulating the end of the international coalition’s military missions in Iraq and transforming the relationship between the two parties into civilian security cooperation.
The American forces had previously withdrawn from the base in 2011 before returning in 2014 as part of the international coalition. Iraqi media indicates that after this withdrawal, the base will become a major military base for Iraqi forces in Anbar province.
