Erbil, Iraq – U.S. forces have officially begun the physical evacuation of their logistics support facilities from Harir Air Base, formerly known as Bashur Air Base. The base is located near the city of Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This move represents the penultimate stage in ending the military presence at the base. The base is scheduled to be completely free of any U.S. presence by the end of September 2026.
Evacuation process details and timelines
According to multiple Iraqi and regional media reports, technical and engineering teams from the US forces stationed at Harir Air Base have begun evacuating vital logistics support centers. Specifically, the evacuation began at the large complex located in the eastern section of the base.
The sources indicated that the movements are proceeding steadily to implement the timeline previously agreed upon between Baghdad and Washington. This timeline stipulates the completion of the full withdrawal before September 30, 2026.
These developments on the ground come in the context of a gradual and deliberate withdrawal of US forces from their various bases in Iraqi Kurdistan. This withdrawal is based on a prior bilateral agreement reached between Washington and Baghdad in September 2024. The agreement also stipulates the phased end of the US-led international coalition’s mission—originally established to combat ISIS—during 2025 and 2026.
The strategic background to the withdrawal by the end of September
It is worth noting that US forces had completely withdrawn from Iraqi federal territory earlier this year, 2026. This withdrawal included Ain al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province, as well as other military sites in the capital, Baghdad. The remaining military presence is therefore concentrated primarily in the Kurdistan Region. Specifically, U.S. forces remain at Harir Air Base and the vicinity of Erbil International Airport.
During late July and early August 2026, the base underwent a phased withdrawal. This included the transfer of most troops and heavy equipment via specialized military cargo planes that departed the area sequentially. The movements also included the removal or repositioning of Patriot air defense systems from their previous locations. However, some other defense systems were retained at specific points to secure and protect American interests and diplomatic missions, most notably the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil. The reduction was not limited to American forces. It also included the departure or reduction of forces from other countries participating in the international coalition, such as Britain, France, and Germany.
