Iraq Announces End of International Coalition Mission Against 'ISIS' - Sarmad
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faisal al-Zaidi announced on Wednesday the official completion of the international coalition’s mission to combat “ISIS” in Iraq.
The announcement came during an official ceremony hosted by al-Zaidi’s office in the capital, Baghdad, on the occasion of Sovereignty Day, attended by the coalition forces commander, military branch commanders, and security formations.
In his speech, al-Zaidi affirmed that Iraq is now reaping the fruits of severe sacrifices and heroic efforts that spanned years, enabling security agencies across all branches to establish control over the security and operational landscape throughout the country. He noted that this day embodies an enduring image of a people who confronted terrorism and defended their land and cities.
He clarified that the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission demonstrates that cooperation between friendly forces and peoples yielded victory over one of the darkest chapters of extremism in history. He pointed out that the people’s surge of support alongside the armed forces marked the beginning of a new phase in which the forces reorganized command structures, mobilized resources, unified efforts, and seized the initiative.
Al-Zaidi extended his 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 stressed that the end of the coalition’s mission does not mean 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 explained that transferring joint operational tasks to the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces embodies an institutional framework for managing this effort under the authority and supreme leadership of the state.
The Iraqi Prime Minister indicated that a new phase has begun, characterized by Iraq’s sovereignty, the strength of its institutions, the readiness of its forces, the unity of its decisions, and its balanced partnerships with friends. He affirmed that security cooperation will remain an open channel with allies from the international coalition, becoming more effective and focused, with the utilization of technology and digital tools in service of objectives supporting security and stability.
He concluded his speech by emphasizing that the mission ended in victory, and that the responsibility for safeguarding this victory now rests on everyone. He stated that no weapon exists outside the umbrella of the law, and no force operates beyond the state’s institutions, in accordance with the Constitution, the guidance of the esteemed religious authority, and the will of the people.
Earlier, the Iraqi government decided to suspend official working hours in the country from Wednesday through Saturday to mark Sovereignty Day and the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission.
