US Withdraws from Iraq Amid Disarmament Tensions | Johannesburg News

US troops are pulling out of Iraq by September 30, ending a 20-year military presence that began in 2003. Hundreds of soldiers and critical equipment will be redeployed or removed, but Iraq’s government is using the withdrawal as leverage to demand disarmament from Iranian-backed militias — a request most groups refuse to meet. With escalating regional tensions, these militias have already targeted US-linked sites and coordinated attacks with Yemen’s Houthis. While the Iraqi government says talks are ongoing, analysts doubt the deadline will hold, warning that leaving U.S. forces behind could leave northern Iraq more exposed to both direct attacks and broader regional threats. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-09-15-as-last-us-troops-pack-up-in-iraq-militias-signal-their-weapons-will-stay/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/aa404ac314cc1c87 Report issues to [email protected].