The Iraqi government has initiated a series of observances known as 'Sovereignty Days' to mark the departure of US combat forces. This transition represents a major milestone in Iraq's post-2003 history, signaling a move toward full control over its own national security apparatus. For years, the presence of foreign troops was a central component of the security framework designed to stabilize the country following the 2003 invasion and the subsequent insurgency.

While the government frames this withdrawal as a restoration of national autonomy, the long-term security implications remain a subject of debate. The withdrawal forces the Iraqi military and domestic security services to assume full responsibility for maintaining order and countering potential threats from militant groups. The shift is intended to symbolize a new chapter in Iraq's sovereignty, though regional analysts continue to monitor how the absence of US air support and intelligence coordination will impact the country’s ability to manage internal stability. The official designation of these days serves as a public declaration that the state is prepared to manage its own defense, though the practical challenges of this transition are expected to persist as the country navigates its post-withdrawal reality.