A Look at the Remaining U.S. Military Bases in Iraq

The United States maintains a much smaller military presence in Iraq today compared to the height of operations during the Iraq War. Over the past several years, American forces have consolidated into a limited number of strategic locations as the mission transitioned from combat operations to advising, intelligence support, and regional security cooperation. Most remaining U.S. forces are concentrated in northern Iraq and around diplomatic facilities in Baghdad, where they continue to support Iraqi security forces and monitor extremist threats.

Several key facilities still host U.S. personnel. The primary operational hub is Erbil Air Base in the Kurdistan Region, where U.S. forces coordinate training and logistical support missions. In Baghdad, American personnel also operate from the U.S. Embassy Baghdad and the nearby Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, which functions as a logistical and security hub supporting embassy operations. These facilities rely heavily on private contractors, security teams, and logistical personnel who help maintain daily operations.

U.S. Locations Still Hosting Personnel in Iraq

• Erbil Air Base – Primary U.S. military hub in northern Iraq
• U.S. Embassy Baghdad – Largest U.S. diplomatic compound in the world
• Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center – Logistics and operational support facility near Baghdad International Airport
• Camp Union III – Previously coalition headquarters, now associated with NATO Mission Iraq
• Ain al-Asad Air Base – Major former U.S. base that has largely transitioned to Iraqi control but historically hosted U.S. forces

Although the number of bases has declined significantly, the remaining locations continue to face security challenges. Rocket, drone, and missile attacks by Iran-aligned militia groups have targeted several U.S. facilities in Iraq in recent months. These threats highlight the fragile security environment surrounding the last American positions still operating in the country, even as the broader U.S. military footprint continues to shrink.

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