INTERNATIONAL
Iraq announces full withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from federal territories
Iraq takes full control of key bases as the coalition's mission ends and shifts to a bilateral security partnership with the United States. - ADOBE STOCK
BAGHDAD: Iraq announced on Sunday the full withdrawal of international coalition advisors from all military bases and command centers in Iraq's federal government-controlled areas.
AI Brief
The Higher Military Commission, tasked with ending the international coalition mission, said in a statement that the few remaining advisors have departed from Iraq's Ayn al-Asad Airbase and the Joint Operations Command headquarters, placing these strategic sites under the full control of the Iraqi security forces.
The first phase of the international coalition's military mission to combat the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq's federal territories has concluded, and Iraq has now transitioned to a bilateral security relationship with the United States, it said.
This relationship will focus on activating the memoranda of understanding for military cooperation and developing the capabilities of Iraqi armed forces in the areas of equipment, armament, training, exercises, maneuvers, and joint operations to ensure continued readiness to combat the IS, read the statement.
The second phase of the international coalition's mission to combat the IS in Syria has begun, and coordination with the coalition will continue regarding the complete defeat of the IS in Syria, it noted.
On Saturday, the Iraqi Defense Ministry said the Iraqi army has taken full control of Ayn al-Asad Airbase, the country's second-largest military airbase, in the western province of Anbar following the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
The move follows a joint statement by Iraq and the United States in September 2024, which set a timetable to end the coalition's mission in Iraq. In 2014, IS militants captured Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, and seized vast territories in Iraq's west and north. The U.S.-led coalition to combat the IS subsequently made its presence in Iraq.
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AI Brief
- Remaining coalition advisors have left Ayn al-Asad Airbase and Joint Operations Command, handing full control to Iraqi forces.
- Iraq has completed phase one of ending the coalition mission and is transitioning to a bilateral security relationship with the US focused on training and military development.
- Phase two of the coalition's mission continues in Syria as coordination against IS remains ongoing.
The Higher Military Commission, tasked with ending the international coalition mission, said in a statement that the few remaining advisors have departed from Iraq's Ayn al-Asad Airbase and the Joint Operations Command headquarters, placing these strategic sites under the full control of the Iraqi security forces.
The first phase of the international coalition's military mission to combat the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq's federal territories has concluded, and Iraq has now transitioned to a bilateral security relationship with the United States, it said.
This relationship will focus on activating the memoranda of understanding for military cooperation and developing the capabilities of Iraqi armed forces in the areas of equipment, armament, training, exercises, maneuvers, and joint operations to ensure continued readiness to combat the IS, read the statement.
The second phase of the international coalition's mission to combat the IS in Syria has begun, and coordination with the coalition will continue regarding the complete defeat of the IS in Syria, it noted.
On Saturday, the Iraqi Defense Ministry said the Iraqi army has taken full control of Ayn al-Asad Airbase, the country's second-largest military airbase, in the western province of Anbar following the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
The move follows a joint statement by Iraq and the United States in September 2024, which set a timetable to end the coalition's mission in Iraq. In 2014, IS militants captured Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, and seized vast territories in Iraq's west and north. The U.S.-led coalition to combat the IS subsequently made its presence in Iraq.
Your gateway to global news, insights, and stories that matter.