Iraqi Prime Minister: International Coalition Mission Ended in Victory
Baghdad, September 30 (KUNA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed on Wednesday that the mission of the international coalition to combat what is known as the 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 battle against terrorism.” This statement came during a speech delivered by al-Zaidi, 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 to mark “Sovereignty Day, September 30, 2026” and the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, attended by the coalition force commander and leaders of various military branches and security formations.
Al-Zaidi 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 in that decisive confrontation, enabling the Iraqi Armed Forces to successfully reorganize and rearm themselves. He explained that the Joint Operations Command throughout the years of the war on terrorism represented the heart of coordination and the brain that gathered information and carried out planning and command within the battle.
Al-Zaidi expressed gratitude and appreciation to all friendly countries that participated in the international coalition, as well as to its commanders, 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 become more effective and focused, with cooperation witnessing the utilization of technology and digital tools in support of security and stability objectives.
He affirmed, “The mission has ended in victory, and the responsibility to protect this victory now lies on all of us.” Al-Zaidi 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 today, the international coalition to combat 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. (End)
