Coalition Commander: No Justification Remains For Weapons Outside State Control
As the International Coalition completes its withdrawal from Iraq, its commander Liam M. Hulin said there is no longer any justification for armed groups operating outside the authority of the state, while reaffirming support for Iraq during the transition.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The International Coalition has completed its organized withdrawal from Iraq, with Erbil serving as its final base, as Coalition commander Rear Admiral Liam M. Hulin, described the moment as a historic transition and backed the Iraqi government's efforts to disarm armed groups operating outside state control.
Speaking Wednesday, during the official ceremony marking the conclusion of the International Coalition's military mission against ISIS in Iraq, Hulin said the withdrawal marked the completion of a mission that had lasted 12 years and culminated in the collapse of the so-called ISIS caliphate.
“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,” Hulin said, addressing the Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaidi, Ambassador Fagan, and other guests.
“I stand before you at this historic moment that witnesses a nation reclaiming its path. Today, Iraq chooses Iraq—prioritizing it over any country or group that seeks to threaten its sovereignty.”
Hulin highlighted Iraq's historical significance, describing it as the land of Mesopotamia and the birthplace of early written communication through cuneiform script and some of the earliest codified laws through the Code of Hammurabi.
“Throughout history, the greatness of the Iraqi people has always prevailed,” he said.
Hulin said Iraqi and Coalition forces, alongside the families who supported them, had endured significant burdens and sacrifices during 12 years of fighting under extremely difficult circumstances.
“Over the course of twelve years, Iraqi forces and Coalition forces, alongside the families who supported them, endured immense burdens and sacrifices under the darkest circumstances,” he said.
“Thanks to the courage of us all, our mission was accomplished, and the so-called caliphate of ISIS collapsed.”
He announced that the Coalition had completed its organized withdrawal from Erbil, describing the city as the Coalition's last base in Iraq.
“Yesterday, the Coalition completed its orderly withdrawal operations from Erbil, which was the Coalition's last base in Iraq, because the Coalition’s mission has been successfully completed,” Hulin said.
Despite the completion of the mission, Hulin urged continued vigilance during the transition.
“Nevertheless, as we move through this transition phase, we must remain vigilant,” he said.
He cited an Arabic proverb to emphasize the need for caution when dealing with security threats: “Prepare for a jackal as you would for a lion.”
Hulin said Iraq could not afford to disregard any threat, regardless of its size, if it endangered the country's security, sovereignty, or standing regionally and internationally.
“Iraq cannot ignore any threat, whether large or small within its borders, if it threatens its security, sovereignty, and standing in regional and international arenas,” he said.
He said the transition had created an opportunity for Iraq to take the initiative and supported Prime Minister Ali Zaidi's efforts to disarm armed militias operating outside state control.
“The time has come for Iraq to take the initiative. This transitional phase supports the Prime Minister's efforts to disarm armed militias operating outside state control; there is no longer any justification for the existence of armed groups outside the authority of the state,” Hulin said.
Hulin said the United States and the Coalition had fulfilled their commitment to Iraq and would continue supporting the country as a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
“The United States and the Coalition are fulfilling their promise, and we will continue to support Iraq as a vital member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS,” he said.
He added that the security relationship among Coalition militaries would transition into new bilateral frameworks, while the Coalition would continue supporting Zaidi, his government, and the Iraqi people.
“The security relationship among Coalition militaries is transitioning into new bilateral frameworks, but the Coalition will continue to support the Prime Minister, his government, and the Iraqi people on their journey toward a brighter future,” Hulin said.
Hulin concluded by describing Iraq's future as one centered on strength, security, and sovereignty.
“The path to the future is the path of a strong, secure, and sovereign nation—because the people of this noble land choose Iraq,” he said.