US forces leave Iraq, raising fears of Iran-backed militias amid power vacuum

US forces withdraw from their remaining bases in Iraq on Wednesday, raising fears they will leave behind a security vacuum, further embolden Iranian-backed militias and give the resurgent Islamic State group an opening to regroup. The departure, celebrated as a victory by Tehran and its allies, was agreed in 2024 under US President Joe Biden and carried out by current President Donald Trump's administration even as it wages war against Iran, which wields influence in Iraq through proxies. It comes 23 years after US-led forces toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, then triggered upheaval and chaos, culminating with the rise of Islamic State. While the departure of US forces is broadly popular among Iraqis, some worry that security forces trained and funded by the United States still can't protect the country, where 4,500 American forces died in more than 20 years of war. Read moreIran says it expects US response Tuesday on plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz "The lesson from the past two decades is that security vacuums can be extremely dangerous," said Jassim al-Bahadli, an Iraqi analyst who advises the security forces. US forces invaded Iraq in 2003 and went on to occupy the country, insta...