As previously planned , the last US combat troops were withdrawn from Iraq in 2011 , with security responsibility in the hands of the Iraqi Armed Forces . On 15 December , martial closing ceremony was held in Baghdad putting a formal end to the U.S. mission in Iraq . This ceased direct U.S. combat involvement in the war . The last 500 soldiers left Iraq under cover of darkness and under strict secrecy early on the morning of 18 December 2011 , ending the U.S. military presence in Iraq after nearly nine years . On 22 December 2011 at least 72 civilians were killed and more than 170 wounded in a series of bombings across Baghdad , while nine others died in various attacks in Baqubah , Mosul and Kirkuk
series of bombings
22 December 2011 Baghdad bombings
Iraqi insurgency (2011–2013)