# U.S. Ends Inherent Resolve Combat Mission in Iraq but Keeps Troops in Advisory and Security Roles

*Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 4:05 AM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Published**: 2026-10-01T04:05:38.936Z (2h ago)
**Category**: geopolitics | **Region**: Middle East
**Importance**: 8/10
**Sources**: OSINT
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/articles/19284.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/summaries

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**Deck**: The Pentagon says the United States has officially concluded Operation Inherent Resolve’s combat mission in Iraq after 12 years, while media reports point to a completed withdrawal of equipment after 23 years of presence and a shift to ongoing advisory and security support.

The United States has formally ended the combat phase of Operation "Inherent Resolve" in Iraq after 12 years, while keeping military personnel in the country to support Iraqi partners and protect U.S. facilities.

According to the Pentagon, Operation Inherent Resolve’s combat mission has been concluded. U.S. forces will now remain in Iraq in advisory roles and to provide security for the U.S. embassy and other sites, instead of conducting front‑line combat operations.

Media reports had indicated that the United States was scheduled to complete the withdrawal of troops and equipment from Iraq on 29 September, after 23 years of presence there. Those reports described a timetable for pulling out hardware and some personnel. The Pentagon statement clarifies that, despite the formal end of the named combat mission, the U.S. will continue to provide assistance to its partners in Iraq in the fight against remaining threats, in particular the Islamic State group.

On the ground, Iraqi security forces have already taken the lead in most operations against Islamic State cells, and U.S. troops have been moving away from regular front‑line roles for some time. The current shift codifies that reality under a new mandate focused on training, support, and protection of diplomatic staff.

The key questions now concern the size and location of the remaining U.S. presence, how advisory tasks will be structured, and how both Washington and Baghdad choose to describe this posture in future agreements and public statements. Changes in those areas will show whether this marks a long‑term stabilization of the U.S. role in Iraq or the start of a further drawdown.