Iraq PM on Coalition Mission: ‘The Mission Has Ended With Victory, Responsibility Now Rests With Us’

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi on Wednesday officially declared the end of the international coalition’s mission against ISIS in Iraq, marking what Baghdad described as a transition to full national responsibility for the country’s security and stability.

Zaidi made the announcement during an official ceremony held by the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in Baghdad, to mark Iraq’s Sovereignty Day.

The ceremony was attended by the coalition commander and senior commanders from Iraq’s military branches and security formations.

In his speech, Zaidi said Iraq was now reaping the results of years of sacrifices and efforts by its people and security forces, which he said had enabled Iraqi forces to establish control over the country’s security and battlefield environment.

“We announce the end of the mission of the international coalition against ISIS to prove that cooperation between friendly forces and friendly peoples has achieved victory over one of the darkest chapters of extremism and brutality in history,” Zaidi said.

He credited the Iraqi population’s mobilization alongside the armed forces with helping launch a period of military reorganization, resource mobilization and unified efforts that allowed Iraqi forces to take the initiative in the fight against ISIS.

Zaidi also thanked the countries that participated in the international coalition, as well as its commanders, officers, trainers and advisers who worked alongside Iraqi security forces during the campaign against ISIS.

New phase in Iraq’s security

The Iraqi prime minister stressed that the conclusion of the coalition’s mission does not mean the end of the country’s fight against terrorism.

“The end of the international coalition’s mission does not mean the end of our battle against terrorism, but rather Iraq’s transition to a phase in which it assumes full responsibility for its security and stability,” he said.

He said the transfer of Joint Operations Command responsibilities to the Office of the Commander-in-Chief represents an institutional framework for managing the effort under the authority of the Iraqi state and its highest leadership.

Zaidi described the new phase as one centered on Iraq’s sovereignty, stronger state institutions, military readiness, unified decision-making and balanced partnerships with its international allies.

He added that security cooperation with coalition partners would remain open, but would become more focused and effective, including through the use of technology and digital capabilities to support security and stability.

Iraq thanks coalition partners

The prime minister recalled the role played by international partners during the years of the war against ISIS, saying friendly countries provided assistance during a decisive confrontation while Iraqi forces reorganized and successfully strengthened their capabilities and equipment.

He also highlighted the role of Iraq’s Joint Operations Command, describing it as the central mechanism for coordination during the anti-ISIS campaign and the institution responsible for bringing together intelligence, planning and military leadership.

“The mission has ended with victory, and the responsibility for protecting this victory now rests with all of us,” Zaidi said.

He concluded by stressing the authority of state institutions, saying that weapons must remain under the framework of Iraqi law and that no force should operate outside state institutions, in accordance with the constitution and the demands of the Iraqi people.

The ceremony on Sept. 30 formally marked the end of the coalition’s operational mission in Iraq after years of military cooperation aimed at defeating ISIS and supporting Iraqi security forces.