On August 29, Iraqi and US forces launched a major multi-day raid against ISIS in Iraq’s western Anbar province, marking the largest joint operation in years. While once routine during Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), this operation took place in a context where ISIS is no longer a major threat, with its capacity for large-scale attacks drastically reduced.

Despite this, approximately 2,500 US troops continue to support Iraqi forces under OIR, which was initiated in 2014 as ISIS gained control of significant territory in Iraq and Syria. However, the situation in Iraq has evolved since then, with ISIS largely defeated and only a few thousand fighters remaining across both countries.

The recent raid, which killed 14 ISIS fighters and targeted high-value leaders, involved hundreds of US and Iraqi forces, but the details remain vague. The scale of the operation raises questions, given ISIS's current weakened state. Seven US service members were injured, with two flown to Germany for treatment, further highlighting the risks US troops face.

Amid these developments, Iraq is pressing for a US troop withdrawal, driven in part by pressure from Iran-backed militias. The Iraqi government is in a delicate position, as it navigates its desire to maintain security while balancing domestic and regional political pressures. Ongoing talks between Washington and Baghdad suggest a US withdrawal could happen over the next two years, but negotiations remain fraught.

Given ISIS's diminished capabilities and the political complexities surrounding the US presence, many argue that continuing the current mission is unnecessary. A more sustainable approach, involving intelligence sharing and local partnerships, could achieve the same objectives at a fraction of the cost—both in terms of resources and political fallout.