The Iraqi government views the completion of the U.S.-led international coalition’s military mission in the country on September 30 as an important step toward transferring responsibility for security management to Iraqi state institutions.
Iraqi government spokesperson Haydar al-Aboudi said in remarks to the Iraqi News Agency that, within the framework of official agreements and commitments, the date represents a “sovereignty milestone” for Iraq.
According to al-Aboudi, the end of the military mission will transform ties between Iraq and coalition member states into bilateral relations based on Iraq’s sovereignty and mutual interests. The government is working to complete the transition in line with the agreed timetable and mechanisms, and says the process will not be changed against the will of the Iraqi state.
Security authority to pass to state institutions
Al-Aboudi said Iraq possesses constitutional, political and diplomatic tools and has the capacity to manage its security through its own institutions and armed forces.
Al-Aboudi said Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zeidi had placed sovereignty at the center of the government’s priorities and described the transition period as the beginning of a new phase. This phase will focus on establishing full state authority across the country, unifying security decisions and keeping the means of using force under state control.
The Iraqi government designated a “Sovereignty Day” to mark the transition.
Goal of bilateral partnerships and investment
Al-Aboudi said the government aims to increase stability and confidence in state institutions. He said this approach is important for creating a secure investment environment, attracting companies and capital, and establishing balanced partnerships aligned with state priorities and national interests.
Prime Minister al-Zeidi announced last month that September 30 would be the “definitive and final” date for the end of the international coalition’s military mission and the completion of the withdrawal of its forces from Iraq.
The coalition’s mission in Iraq
The U.S.-led international coalition was established in 2014 to fight ISIS after the group seized large areas of Iraq and neighboring Syria.
Iraq declared victory over ISIS in December 2017 after retaking the territories under the group’s control. At the request of the Baghdad government, coalition forces continued their advisory and training missions in the country.
