Operation Iraqi Freedom Ends
Operation Iraqi Freedom officially ended in August 2010 with the departure of the Fourth Stryker Brigade, marking the conclusion of U.S. combat operations in Iraq. This significant milestone was confirmed by President Barack Obama, who announced that the American combat mission had concluded. The operation, which began in 2003 under President George W. Bush, resulted in substantial loss of life and injuries among American service members and Iraqi civilians over its 7.5-year duration. During this period, the U.S. military presence in Iraq peaked, with nearly 100,000 troops deployed. Upon taking office, President Obama committed to withdrawing these forces, leading to the closure of numerous military bases and the transfer of responsibility to Iraqi security forces. Although the combat mission ended, a residual force remained in Iraq, focused on advising and assisting local military units. The conclusion of Operation Iraqi Freedom is seen as a pivotal moment in U.S.-Iraq relations and the broader context of Middle Eastern engagements.
On this Page
Operation Iraqi Freedom Ends
Operation Iraqi Freedom Ends
The Fourth Stryker Brigade left Iraq the week of August 19, 2010. This was the U.S. Army's final combat brigade to exit Iraq, ending Operation Iraqi Freedom. The official announcement came 2 weeks later when President Barack Obama said to the nation that “the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over.”
U.S. military operations in Iraq began in 2003 under the Bush administration. During the following 7-1/2 years, thousands of Americans lost their lives and tens of thousands were wounded in the war there.
When Obama entered office, he promised to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq. To fulfill that pledge, nearly 100,000 troops were removed from Iraq, along with millions of pieces of equipment, and hundreds of bases were closed or transferred to Iraqis. Six “advise and assist brigades” and 4,500 U.S. special operations forces remained in Iraq to train Iraqi troops.