In Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zeydi and Günter Schneider, commander of the German forces, discussed developing cooperation in the military and security fields.
According to a statement by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office, the meeting addressed efforts to increase the capacity and performance of the Iraqi armed forces through joint programs. The sides also discussed preparations to complete the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq.
Two-phase plan for the mission in Iraq
Ali Zeydi stressed the importance of transitioning to multifaceted relations with coalition countries. He expressed appreciation for Germany’s years of support for Iraq, particularly its role during the fight against ISIS.
In a statement in August, Zeydi described the date set for the international coalition’s mission in Iraq to end on September 30 as a firm and unalterable deadline.
Baghdad and Washington agreed on September 27, 2024, on a two-phase plan to end the coalition’s mission in Iraq. The first phase was expected to be completed by September 2025.
This phase included ending the coalition’s military mission, withdrawing its forces from Iraq and transferring the bases to the country.
Syria mission to continue from a platform in Erbil
The second phase of the plan is expected to continue until September 2026. During this period, the coalition’s military elements operating in Syria are planned to conduct activities from a platform at an air base in Erbil, in northern Iraq.
The U.S.-led coalition includes countries such as France and Spain. It was formed in 2014 to fight ISIS, which had established control over large areas of Iraq and Syria.
Operations against ISIS continue
On December 10, 2017, Iraq’s then-Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced victory over ISIS after three years of fighting.
The group continues to carry out occasional attacks in the country’s northern, western and eastern provinces. The Iraqi government is also conducting security and military operations against ISIS remnants.
