The United States has begun a gradual reduction of its military presence in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, including the reported withdrawal of some Patriot air-defense systems, troops, and heavy equipment, according to Kurdish officials and multiple media reports.
The move comes amid a sharp increase in drone and missile attacks across the autonomous region and growing concerns that the reduction of American military capabilities could leave U.S. facilities and strategic sites more vulnerable to attack.
The reported drawdown is believed to be part of broader security arrangements between Washington, Baghdad, and the Kurdistan Regional Government aimed at restructuring the U.S. military presence in Iraq.
Kifah Mahmoud, media adviser to the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, confirmed that a withdrawal process was underway but said it had been planned for months and should not be viewed as a sudden development.
"Yes, a withdrawal process is taking place, but this is not surprising. U.S. forces have been preparing for these arrangements for months," Mahmoud said.
He rejected reports that the United States had completely removed its air-defense capabilities from the Kurdistan Region, saying that some systems remained in place to protect American interests and strategic facilities.
According to reports cited by The Jerusalem Post, Patriot air-defense systems have been removed from the Harir military facility near Erbil. The systems are designed to detect and intercept incoming missiles and drones.
Other reports said the withdrawal began last week and remains ongoing, with significant numbers of U.S. troops and heavy equipment reportedly being redeployed outside Iraq. The exact destination of the redeployed systems and forces has not been publicly disclosed.
Mahmoud said U.S. troops previously stationed at Al Asad Air Base and other locations in Anbar Province had moved to Harir Air Base in Erbil in accordance with arrangements between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government. He said those forces were now preparing for a final redeployment to bases outside Iraq.
The United States has maintained a military presence in Iraq for years, supporting Iraqi security forces, conducting training and intelligence operations, and contributing to the international coalition against Islamic State.
The reported reduction in forces comes as the Kurdistan Region faces an escalating security threat.
According to Kurdish media statistics, Erbil Province experienced 66 drone attacks and two missile attacks during July, while Sulaymaniyah recorded 10 missile attacks and nine drone attacks. Missile debris was also reportedly found in Halabja Province.
A separate tally cited by Rudaw reported 88 attacks across the Kurdistan Region during July, resulting in 10 deaths and 15 injuries.
Since regional tensions intensified on February 28, local media have reported more than 950 missile and drone attacks across the region, causing dozens of deaths and injuries.
The attacks have reportedly targeted U.S. military facilities, Kurdish political sites, and Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in the region. In several cases, coalition air defenses reportedly intercepted drones before they reached their intended targets.
The latest reported attack involved two drones targeting the vicinity of Kijena village in Sulaymaniyah Province. No official casualty figures were immediately available.
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