Iraqi Prime Minister: International Coalition Mission Ended in Victory

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Allaq affirmed on Wednesday that the international coalition’s mission to combat the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) in his country has ended in victory, but he stressed that the conclusion of the mission “does not mean the end of the fight against terrorism.”

This statement came during a speech delivered by al-Allaq, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, at an official ceremony hosted by the Commander-in-Chief’s Office in Baghdad, marking “Sovereignty Day” on September 30, 2026, and the conclusion of the international coalition’s operations in Iraq. The event was attended by the coalition forces commander, as well as military leaders and commanders of various security formations.

Al-Allaq said, “We declare the end of the international coalition’s mission to combat ISIS, to demonstrate that cooperation between friendly forces and friendly peoples has yielded victory over one of the darkest chapters of extremism and brutality in history.”

He noted that friendly countries extended assistance to Iraq during that decisive confrontation, and that the Iraqi Armed Forces successfully reorganized and re-equipped themselves. He explained that the Joint Operations Command, throughout the years of the war on terrorism, served as the heart of coordination and the brain that gathered information and directed planning and command within the battle.

Al-Allaq expressed gratitude and appreciation to all friendly countries that participated in the international coalition, as well as to its leaders, officers, trainers, and advisors who worked alongside Iraqi security forces. He pointed out that the end of the international coalition’s mission does not signify the end of the fight against terrorism, but rather marks Iraq’s transition to a phase in which it assumes full responsibility for its own security and stability.

He clarified that security cooperation will remain an open channel with friends from the international coalition, and will be more effective and focused, with the deployment of technology and digital tools in service of objectives supporting security and stability.

He affirmed, “The mission has ended in victory, and the responsibility to protect this victory now rests on all of us.”

Al-Allaq concluded by emphasizing that “no weapon exists outside the umbrella of the law, and no force operates outside state institutions, in accordance with the Constitution, as called for by the religious authority, and as desired by the people.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the international coalition against ISIS in Iraq officially announced the end of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and the completion of the withdrawal of its last forces from the province of Erbil.