Members of the Iraqi security forces take part in a convoy moving through the city as they celebrate the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq; photo taken in Najaf, Iraq, on September 30, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani)
Members of the Iraqi security forces take part in a convoy moving through the city as they celebrate the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq; photo taken in Najaf, Iraq, on September 30, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani)

Celebrations began in the afternoon and continued into the night. Many people carried Iraqi flags and pictures of Islamic leaders, chanted victory slogans, and danced hand in hand. Some even set off celebratory fireworks.

Both the US military and the Iraqi government confirmed that the last US troops had withdrawn from Iraq, bringing an end to the US's 23-year military presence. The Iraqi government declared October 1 Sovereignty Day and held an official celebration.

However, other Iraqis have expressed concerns that the withdrawal of all US troops and other coalition forces will create a security vacuum in Iraq and may increase the power of Iran-backed militias and provide an opening for the return of the Islamic ‌State (IS) and other terrorist groups.