Iraq: Government Now Holds Supreme Authority Over Military and Security Presence on Its Soil
Iraqi Security Media Cell spokesperson Major General Saad Maan stated that Iraq has taken over the main US military headquarters at Baghdad International Airport and agreed with Turkey on the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the Base 101 in Nineveh.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Saad Maan, the official spokesperson and head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, stated that Iraq’s handover of the main headquarters of U.S. forces at Baghdad International Airport and the agreement with Turkey on the withdrawal of Turkish military troops from the Bashiqah base in Nineveh Province confirm the possibility of continuing security cooperation with international partners based on mutual respect and in a manner that safeguards Iraq’s sovereign decision-making.
Maan told the state-owned newspaper Al-Sabah on Monday that “the government now holds the ultimate authority and exclusive decision-making power in determining the nature of the military and security presence on Iraqi territory.”
Iraq is expected to conclude its cooperation with the international coalition supporting Iraq in the fight against ISIS on the 30th of this month, ending the presence of combat forces and transitioning to bilateral relations based on agreements with some coalition countries to support arms procurement and training programs for security forces, thereby enhancing their readiness to face challenges.
