Sources say Patriot missile systems have been redeployed amid regional security concerns
ERBIL: The United States military has begun reducing its remaining forces stationed near Erbil International Airport in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, according to Al-Monitor, which cited sources familiar with the process.
The report said the drawdown began last week and includes the removal of Patriot air defence missile systems from the military compound. According to the sources, most US personnel and heavy equipment have already departed, while all Patriot batteries have reportedly been redeployed to an undisclosed location. Other defensive systems, however, remain in place.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins declined to comment on troop movements, while officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government did not respond to Al-Monitor’s requests for comment.
Withdrawal follows bilateral agreement
Regional officials quoted by Al-Monitor described the redeployment as a routine step consistent with Washington’s commitment to withdraw its forces from Iraq by the agreed September 30 deadline under arrangements reached with Baghdad.
However, the reported withdrawal comes amid continued attacks by Iran and Iran-backed armed groups targeting locations in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. According to the report, US-operated Patriot systems had intercepted numerous missiles and drones aimed at Erbil, providing protection for both American personnel and nearby infrastructure.
Analysts cited by Al-Monitor noted that removing the Patriot batteries could reduce the defensive umbrella over the region, although they added that US military cooperation with Iraq is expected to continue through other deployments.
Strategic priorities and missile stockpiles under scrutiny
The report also suggested that the redeployment may reflect broader US efforts to reposition limited air defence assets across the Middle East as regional tensions persist.
Al-Monitor cited a study by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, which reportedly found that US Patriot interceptor stockpiles have declined following months of regional conflict, potentially influencing deployment priorities.
The United States has not officially confirmed the reported reasons for the redeployment or commented on the cited assessment. Likewise, no official announcement has been made regarding changes to the overall timeline for the planned withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.
