**Title: Iraqi Militias Celebrate US Troop Withdrawal as Historic Victory**
On Wednesday, Shiite militias in Iraq celebrated the complete withdrawal of US troops from the country, declaring it a “historic victory” over American forces. This event marks the end of a military presence that has lasted for a combined total of 20 years since the initial invasion in 2003.
The departure of US service members from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq was particularly significant for these militias. Abu Mojtaba al-Yasiri, a commander of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, stated that the exit of US forces signifies a “crushing defeat for the American project” in the region. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among various Shiite factions that have long opposed foreign military presence in Iraq.
Another prominent figure, Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a senior representative of the militia group Kataib Hezbollah, expressed similar views. He characterized the withdrawal as the “expulsion of the occupation forces” and emphasized that it marks the beginning of Iraq's journey toward full sovereignty. This rhetoric underscores the longstanding tensions between Iraqi armed groups and US military involvement in the country.
Retired US Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Fritz provided insight into the implications of this withdrawal, suggesting that it signifies a permanent end to US military operations in Iraq. He predicted that the American military footprint in the broader Middle East is likely to diminish significantly as a result.
The celebrations by Iraqi militias come in the context of heightened tensions in the region. Following US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February, several Iraqi Shiite armed groups, which are backed by Iran, retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US military installations. This escalation has contributed to the fraught atmosphere surrounding the US presence in Iraq.
In a related development, Kataib Hezbollah issued a warning to the Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi against complying with recent US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines. This statement reflects the ongoing influence of Iranian-backed militias in Iraqi politics and their opposition to US sanctions.
As the situation unfolds, the withdrawal of US troops is likely to have lasting implications for Iraq's political landscape and its relations with both the United States and Iran. The celebrations by militias indicate a significant shift in power dynamics within the country, as they assert their influence in the wake of the US military's exit.
The future of Iraq's security and sovereignty remains uncertain, as various factions vie for control and influence in a post-US military landscape.