Iraq's government is preparing to assume control of military bases across the Kurdistan region as U.S.-led coalition forces begin a phased withdrawal ahead of a September 30 deadline—a transition that will test Baghdad's ability to maintain security operations while asserting full sovereignty over its territory.
Government spokesman Haider Al Aboudi confirmed the handover process is underway. "Co-ordination is ongoing with the international coalition and work is under way to inventory the sites and hand them over to the competent Iraqi forces," he said. The deadline was agreed by Baghdad and Washington in 2024 as part of a broader shift from combat and advisory roles to bilateral security co-operation.
The Handover Process
Kurdistan hosts several key coalition sites used for training, logistics and air operations against ISIS remnants. Local officials reported "unusual movement" of U.S. forces in the region in recent days, including convoys and equipment transfers observed in Erbil earlier this month. Al Aboudi said planning was under way at the highest military level and that co-ordination teams from both sides were meeting regularly to ensure the process was completed without disruption.
The government hasn't specified the number of sites being transferred or the number of personnel leaving. The Pentagon hasn't publicly detailed its withdrawal plan for the Kurdistan Region, but U.S. officials have previously said any transition would be done "in co-ordination with the Iraqi government" and wouldn't leave gaps in the fight against ISIS.
Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's government has framed the transition as a step toward full Iraqi sovereignty over security matters while maintaining that co-operation with the U.S. and other coalition partners would continue in air defence, intelligence and counter-terrorism. Security analysts said the handover carries operational and political weight because Iraqi forces will assume responsibility for bases previously used by coalition trainers, and because the move answers long-standing demands from factions in parliament for a clear timeline for the end of the coalition's presence.
The Militia Question
The Iraqi government has also set a September 30 deadline for the disarmament of Iran-backed militias—a parallel process that complicates the security picture. Al Aboudi said the process of bringing their weapons under state control is "complex," but said the "dialogue is ongoing and under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister."
The government has received significant support from Iraq's leading political force, which issued its strongest warning yet to militias that failure to comply with the September 30 deadline would result in terrorism charges. The warning came after a meeting late on Wednesday of the State Administration Coalition, a group of top Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish political parties that form the government.
Al Aboudi acknowledged "concerns and reservations" about the process but said the government is moving deliberately and "is proceeding in an organised manner and with measured steps until we reach September 30." He said, "After September 30, the final word will be with Iraqi law and the constitution. The state will be the one holding the force."
Why This Matters:
The dual deadlines—for coalition withdrawal and militia disarmament—represent the most significant test yet of Iraq's ability to assert state control over security matters after years of overlapping authorities. If Iraqi forces successfully assume coalition responsibilities without operational gaps, it will mark a meaningful step toward the sovereignty Baghdad has sought since 2003. But the militia disarmament process remains fraught, and failure to bring armed groups under state control could undermine the entire transition. The outcome will shape not only Iraq's internal stability but also the future of U.S. engagement in the region and the balance of influence between Washington and Tehran in Iraqi affairs. For ordinary Iraqis, the question isn't just who controls the bases—it's whether the state can finally monopolize the use of force.