GRANTS, N.M. – The United States has completed its planned withdrawal from Erbil Air Base in Iraq as American and allied forces continue confronting Iranian-backed threats elsewhere in the region, including a major new offensive against the Houthis near the Bab al Mandeb Strait.
U.S. Central Command announced that American forces and equipment departed Erbil Air Base Sept. 30, formally ending the Operation Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq. CENTCOM said the move is part of a transition to a bilateral U.S.-Iraq defense relationship, while the counter-ISIS mission continues from Jordan and Syria. Erbil had served as the main operational hub for the coalition and hosted most of the approximately 1,500 American and coalition personnel supporting counter-ISIS operations. Pasted text
Offensive Near Bab al Mandeb
According to the Institute for the Study of War and the Critical Threats Project, the Yemeni government, backed by Saudi air power and international coalition support, launched an offensive Oct. 4 to recapture Mokha and secure the coastline near the Bab al Mandeb Strait.
ISW-CTP assessed that the offensive will likely succeed in the short term. More than 100 Saudi aircraft supported the initial assault, while U.S. intelligence reportedly assisted the air campaign. U.S. and French refueling aircraft also reportedly helped sustain Saudi operations. Pasted text Pasted text The Bab al Mandeb is a critical international shipping route. Securing it would reduce the Houthis’ ability to threaten vessels and Saudi energy exports moving through the Red Sea.
ISW-CTP expects Yemeni government forces will eventually need to pause to resupply and establish defensible positions before the Houthis can mount a counterattack. Pasted text
Iran Improves Missile Capabilities
Iran, meanwhile, appears to be rebuilding and improving its ability to threaten U.S. forces and commercial shipping.
According to ISWCTP, an Iranian military spokesperson said Oct. 4 that Iran is improving the accuracy, range and speed of its missiles, including systems capable of reaching U.S. forces positioned farther from Iran.
U.S. officials have previously reported that Iran adapted some ballistic missiles to evade American defenses using changing flight paths, speeds and terminal maneuvers. Iran has also used cluster-munition warheads in attacks against U.S. forces, including a Sept. 9 strike against Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Pasted text ISW-CTP also reported that Iran has conducted near-daily attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz since Sept. 29.
Economic Pressure Builds Inside Iran
Iran’s leadership is also showing increased concern about economic conditions at home.
According to ISWCTP, Iranian officials recently held high-level meetings on currency instability, government finances and essential goods. Iran’s central bank injected $2 billion to support the rial Sept. 30, but the currency continued losing value.
ISW-CTP assessed that Iran increasingly views its deteriorating economy as a national security issue and is expanding preparations to suppress possible unrest. Pasted text The U.S. is reducing its long-term military footprint in Iraq while continuing to support regional partners, protect shipping and maintain forces capable of responding to threats.
At the same time, Iran continues trying to increase the cost of American involvement through missile development and attacks on shipping, while U.S. economic pressure continues limiting Tehran’s options.
In Remembrance
The following 17 U.S. service members have been publicly identified as having died in service to our nation during the current conflict. The Cibola County community honors their sacrifice and holds their loved ones, friends, and fellow service members in our thoughts.
Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait — March 1, 2026
Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien Capt. Cody Khork Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan Master Sgt. Nicole Amor Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens Sgt. Declan Coady
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia — March 1, 2026
Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington
Western Iraq — March 12, 2026
Maj. John A. Klinner Capt. Ariana G. Savino Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt Capt. Seth R. Koval Capt. Curtis J. Angst Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan — July 17, 2026
1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan Pvt. Isabella Gonzales Sgt Angel S Rampersand
Erbil Air Base, Iraq — July 19, 2026
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton