# ISIS poised to exploit historic US Iraq exit, terror group ‘actively waiting in the gaps,’ expert warns

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/isis-poised-to-exploit-historic-us-iraq-exit-terror-group-actively-waiting-in-the-gaps-expert-warns/
- Published: 2026-07-20T00:04:59+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-20T01:15:12+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/world/isis-poised-exploit-historic-us-iraq-exit-terror-group-actively-waiting-gaps-expert-warns
- Topics: Americas, Middle East, World

## Key points

- Expert warns ISIS is rebuilding as US quits Iraq
- US troops fully withdrawing from Iraq by 30 September
- Ends a 23-year American military presence there

## Summary

A counterterrorism expert has warned that ISIS is quietly regrouping in Iraq ahead of the complete withdrawal of US forces, due by 30 September, raising fears the group could exploit the resulting security vacuum. Dr Omar Mohammed, a researcher with George Washington University, said the group is "waiting actively in the gaps" as it historically has done, and cautioned that Iraq could be entering its most dangerous period since ISIS captured Mosul in 2014.

The warning comes as President Donald Trump has confirmed US troops will fully leave Iraq by the end of September, closing a 23-year military presence in the country. The withdrawal coincides with efforts by Baghdad to curb the influence of Iran-backed militias, a combination that experts fear could create openings for ISIS to rebuild its capabilities and re-establish a foothold in areas it previously controlled.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.