US repositions forces in Erbil before Iraq exit
ERBIL, Iraq (MNTV) — US forces have begun repositioning personnel and military assets around Erbil as Washington prepares to complete its military withdrawal from Iraq, according to security and political sources cited by The New Arab.
The overnight movements involve transfers between Harir Air Base, Erbil International Airport and the US Consulate compound, and are reportedly linked to preparations for the withdrawal of remaining American troops under a 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad.
The redeployment follows an attempted drone attack targeting the US Consulate in Erbil that Iraqi authorities said they had thwarted.
In response, the US Embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Erbil issued a security alert warning American citizens of the possibility of further escalation following rising tensions between the United States and Iran.
According to sources quoted by The New Arab, the relocation includes the evacuation of non-essential personnel, including military trainers and advisers, as well as the movement of equipment from Harir Air Base to Erbil International Airport.
The sources said Patriot air defense batteries had been transferred from Harir Air Base to an area near the US Consulate as part of the broader repositioning. They added that both Patriot and C-RAM defense systems remain in Erbil and have not been withdrawn from Iraq.
The reported movements follow earlier claims that US forces had already begun withdrawing from Iraq ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline agreed upon by Washington and Baghdad.
Although the formal military mission is set to conclude, US officials have said security cooperation with Iraqi forces, including training, intelligence-sharing and operations against the Islamic State group, will continue.
Harir Air Base is now the last remaining US military installation in Iraq after American forces completed their withdrawal from Ain al-Asad Air Base earlier this year.
The planned withdrawal has raised concerns among Kurdish officials. Kurdistan Democratic Party member Idris Shaaban warned that the departure of US forces and air defense systems could create security gaps that might be exploited by armed groups, Iran-backed factions or militant organizations.
Another KDP official, Karim Aqrawi, said the Kurdistan Region would respect Baghdad’s decision but expressed concern that some armed factions could interpret the US withdrawal as a political victory.
He argued that the drawdown should be accompanied by efforts to reduce the influence of armed groups and strengthen state authority.
Security analyst Mohammed al-Asaad said the exact location of the Patriot system has not been disclosed for security reasons but suggested it would likely remain in Erbil to help protect the US diplomatic mission.
He added that the city’s immediate air defense relies primarily on C-RAM and counter-drone systems.