Iraq has officially declared the end of the international coalition’s mission in the country after 12 years of military presence that began to fight Islamic State. The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by Iraqi and international political and military figures at the headquarters of the Joint Operations Command inside Baghdad’s Green Zone.
Iraq ends mission and shifts to bilateral cooperation
The withdrawal ceremony featured official speeches confirming the conclusion of the military mission and the transition of security relations between Iraq and coalition countries to new bilateral frameworks. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi officially confirmed the end of the coalition’s mission, stressing that “we will not allow weapons to exist outside the framework of the law”.
Coalition commander Admiral Liam Houlin said the United States and the coalition were fulfilling their promises, stressing that support for Iraq would continue in other areas after the military mission in its previous form ended. After the official ceremony concluded, public celebrations began in several Iraqi cities, with expectations that they would continue for several days.
The government declared an official holiday for the occasion, while political and security forces, including the Popular Mobilisation and armed factions, took part in the celebrations. The armed factions issued a statement signed by the “Islamic Resistance”, saying that this “humiliating departure and withdrawal” would not have been achieved without strikes by its “mujahideen” and attacks carried out using drones and missiles.
Stages of the withdrawal from Iraqi bases and sites
The final withdrawals took place from the logistical support centre at Baghdad airport, after forces withdrew from the Kurdistan Region following assurances from the federal government regarding the region’s security. The operation also included other bases and sites in various parts of Iraq.
The evacuation of Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province was one of the largest and most consequential stages of the withdrawal, as it was the coalition’s largest and most effective base for operations targeting Islamic State. Its evacuation represented a central part of ending the coalition’s military deployment in the country.
Sabah al-Numan, spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Army, said the federal security forces provide all forms of support to the trained Peshmerga forces in the Kurdistan Region, explaining that these forces are considered part of the Iraqi armed forces. Al-Numan added that the government had established a command for desert forces to prevent those outside the law from exploiting desert areas, as part of security arrangements under which Iraqi forces will assume broader responsibilities after the coalition mission ends.
Washington announces end of operation and outlines future support
In the same context, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday that the United States and its coalition partners had officially concluded Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. It said the organised withdrawal of coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base marked the end of the military mission.
The Pentagon confirmed that the United States would continue providing targeted training and intelligence support to its Iraqi partners, expecting Iraqi security forces to lead ongoing efforts “to secure the country and contain Islamic State remnants”.
