The United States is expanding its airbase in Erbil, Iraq, to bolster ongoing counter-ISIS operations, according to reporting from Forbes. Plans include increasing the number of helipads at the facility, which serves as a critical hub for U.S. support and participation in the campaign against the Islamic State. U.S. forces may extend their presence in the region beyond 2026. The expansion, detailed in a report by Forbes, underscores Erbil's strategic importance in the continued fight against ISIS. The airbase's enhanced capabilities are expected to facilitate improved logistical support and operational readiness for U.S. forces engaged in counter-terrorism efforts across Iraq and Syria. This development indicates a long-term commitment by the U.S. to regional stability and the persistent campaign against extremist threats, as reported by Forbes on October 6th, 2025. The previous report from October 7th, 2025, also highlighted these expansion plans and the potential for extended U.S. military presence.
