A Lingering Military Presence: Examining Active Bases In Iraq And Afghanistan

The United States has maintained a presence of military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan for decades. The number of bases has fluctuated over the years due to changing security priorities and relationships with host countries. At the height of the Iraq War in 2007, there were approximately 170,000 U.S. troops stationed in 505 bases across Iraq. However, as of 2024, the U.S. has a more limited presence, with a total of nine military bases in Iraq. In Afghanistan, the U.S. has had a significant military presence since 2001, with numerous bases established across the country. The number of bases has varied over time, depending on operational needs and security conditions.

US military bases in Iraq

The United States has had a large number of military bases in Iraq since the 2003 invasion. At the height of the occupation, there were 505 US bases in Iraq, with 170,000 military personnel and 135,000 private military contractors.

The Iraqi parliament rejected the Pentagon's wish to keep 58 bases after the 2011 withdrawal of US troops. Since 2014, US forces have occupied at least five bases, with more being considered.

• Erbil (Kurdistan Region)
• Al-Khalis (Rock City FOB)
• Al Qa'im (Al Qa'im train station)
• Al Watani (Green Zone)
• Abu Ghraib (FOB)
• Camp Apache Camp Gunner Main
• Baharia FOB Volturno (Qalat Sikar Air Base)
• Camp Eagle (Baghdad)
• Camp Regulars
• Camp Warhorse
• Camp Victory North (Camp Al-Tahreer)
• Camp Habbaniyah
• Camp Fallujah
• Camp Patriot (Green Zone)
• Camp Sykes (Ninewah Province)
• Camp Taji
• Joint Base Balad
• Victory Base Complex (Baghdad)
• Camp Baharia Marine Corps Base (Fallujah)

US military bases in Afghanistan

The US has had a large number of military bases in Afghanistan over the years, with nearly 400 US and coalition bases in the country as of 2010. However, the US has since closed at least 10 bases across Afghanistan, with the Pentagon officially confirming the departure of American troops from five military bases.

• Bagram Air Base, Parvan Province: This base is jointly operated by the US Army and Air Force, with forces including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Coalition Forces, and civilians. It was previously used by Soviet troops between 1979 and 1989.
• Shindand Air Base, Herat Province: This base is located in southwest Afghanistan, less than 75 miles from the Iranian border. It is a co-base shared between the US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries.
• Kandahar International Airport, Kandahar: This airport is one of the largest in Afghanistan and was operated by the US until 2006 when it was taken over by NATO. It is located 16 km from Kandahar City.
• Camp Dwyer Marine Base, Helmand River Valley: This base is a United States Marine Corps installation and airfield originally established as a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to combat insurgent activity in the Helmand Valley.
• Camp Leatherneck Marine, Helmand Province: Camp Leatherneck is the home base for most US Marine Corps operations in Afghanistan. It has expanded from a barren outpost in 2009 to a 1,600-acre modern facility.
• FOB Delaram Marine Corps Base, Delaram: This base is located along Afghanistan's 2,000 km Ring Road, the country's main thoroughfare.

The US military bases in Afghanistan have played a significant role in the country's conflict, with some bases being handed over to Afghan security forces while others have been vacated and left for potential future use. The presence of these bases has also raised concerns among regional states such as Iran, Pakistan, China, and Russia.

Reasons for the US military presence in Iraq

The US military presence in Iraq has been a contentious issue for years. Here are some reasons why the US has maintained a military presence in Iraq:

Countering ISIS and Preventing its Resurgence

The stated reason for the continued US troop presence in Iraq is to help the country combat the remnants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) insurgency and prevent any resurgence. ISIS's rapid advances, widespread atrocities, and gross violations of international humanitarian law against local populations led to the US-led coalition's intervention in 2014. While ISIS no longer holds territory in Iraq, it has demonstrated an ability to resurge and carry out attacks against Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). The US provides crucial intelligence, logistics, training, and equipment to enable local forces and prevent ISIS from regrouping.

Countering Iranian Influence and Weapons Trafficking

A key reason for the US military presence in Iraq is to counter Iranian influence and disrupt its weapons trafficking in the region. Iran's political influence and militia strength in Iraq and the broader Middle East have been a recurring security concern for the US. The presence of American forces in Iraq makes it more difficult for Iran to move weapons across Iraq and Syria into Lebanon, where they could be used by Iranian-backed proxies such as Hezbollah against Israel. The US troop presence near the al-Tanf garrison in southeastern Syria also disrupts Iran's ability to establish an uncontested land bridge to the eastern Mediterranean.

Supporting US Forces in Syria

US troops in Iraq provide critical logistical and other support for American forces in Syria, who partner with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their fight against ISIS. The US conducts airstrikes and other missions targeting ISIS leaders and also supports the SDF in guarding captured ISIS fighters and their family members. The proximity of US forces in Iraq allows for the quick deployment of troops, equipment, and support in the event of an emergency in Syria.

Maintaining Regional Stability and Influence

The US military presence in Iraq is part of a broader strategy to maintain regional stability and influence in the Middle East, which is considered strategically important to US security interests. By maintaining a small but consistent presence, the US demonstrates its commitment to the region and its partners. This presence also allows the US to project power and respond to emerging threats or crises in the area.

Training and Advising Iraqi Security Forces

US troops in Iraq are engaged in training, advising, and supporting Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness in counterterrorism operations. This training and advisory role has been ongoing since the defeat of ISIS's territorial control in Iraq in 2017. The US aims to develop ISF capabilities so that they can effectively counter ISIS and maintain stability without a large-scale US military presence.

History of US military presence in Iraq

The history of the US military presence in Iraq can be traced back to the Iraq War, which began in March 2003. The war was initiated by US President George W. Bush, who argued that the invasion was necessary to disarm Iraq of its alleged weapons of mass destruction and to put an end to Saddam Hussein's dictatorial rule. The war was supported by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and faced opposition from other world leaders.

During the initial phase of the war, US-led forces quickly overwhelmed the Iraqi Army and captured Baghdad, leading to the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime. However, the disbanding of the Iraqi Army and the power vacuum that followed led to a violent insurgency and sectarian conflicts between Shiite and Sunni groups. The US faced heavy casualties and criticism for its handling of the occupation.

In 2007, President Bush announced a troop surge, deploying additional troops to support the Iraqi government. This period saw intense fighting, with the battle for Fallujah being one of the bloodiest engagements. Despite the surge, violence and instability persisted, and the US began withdrawing troops in 2009, with the official end of the combat mission declared in 2011.

In 2014, the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) and its seizure of large swathes of Iraqi territory prompted the US to return to Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government. This marked the beginning of a new phase of US military involvement, focused on countering ISIS and training and advising Iraqi security forces. The US-led coalition conducted airstrikes and provided extensive support, ultimately contributing to the territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq by 2017.

Since then, the US has maintained a limited military presence in Iraq, with around 2,500 troops as of 2023. The stated reasons for the continued US presence include assisting Iraq in combating ISIS remnants and countering Iranian influence in the region. However, the US presence has faced opposition from Iranian-backed militias and anti-government protesters, leading to ongoing debates about the future of the US military role in Iraq.

History of US military presence in Afghanistan

The history of US military presence in Afghanistan can be traced back to the early 2000s, following the September 11 attacks. Here is a detailed overview:

The Initial Invasion (2001)

The US military presence in Afghanistan began in late 2001, shortly after the September 11 attacks. The invasion was triggered by the Taliban regime's refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, which claimed responsibility for the attacks. The US demanded that the Taliban deliver all al-Qaeda leaders hiding in Afghanistan, but when they refused, the US began its military campaign.

Toppling the Taliban (2001)

The initial phase of the war focused on overthrowing the Taliban regime and dismantling al-Qaeda. This phase was brief, lasting only about two months. The US partnered with anti-Taliban forces, including the Northern Alliance and Pashtun tribes in southern Afghanistan, led by Hamid Karzai. With US air support and assistance, these forces were able to drive out the Taliban from major cities, including Kabul and Kandahar.

Rebuilding and Nation-Building (2002-2008)

Once the Taliban was ousted, the focus shifted to rebuilding and nation-building efforts. The US and its allies established an interim government led by Hamid Karzai and worked to create a secure environment for socio-economic development. However, this phase was challenging due to inadequate funding and the shift in focus to the looming Iraq War.

Counterinsurgency and Surge (2008-2014)

As the Taliban regrouped and intensified their attacks, the US adopted a counterinsurgency strategy. President Barack Obama announced a surge of 30,000 additional troops in 2009 to implement a population protection strategy and support efforts to reintegrate insurgents. This phase also saw the expansion of NATO's role, with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) taking on more security responsibilities.

Withdrawal and Transition (2014-2021)

In 2014, the US and NATO formally ended their combat mission in Afghanistan, marking the beginning of the withdrawal process. Security responsibilities were gradually transferred to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. However, a small US military presence remained, focusing on training and counterterrorism efforts.

The Taliban Takeover (2021)

Despite the efforts of the US and its allies, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. The rapid collapse of the Afghan government and security forces led to the evacuation of US and allied personnel from Kabul. On August 30, 2021, the last US military forces departed Afghanistan, marking the end of the US's longest war.

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