US-Led Coalition Concludes Mission in Iraq

News Desk
BAGHDAD: The US-led coalition officially ends its mission in Iraq after more than a decade, having played a crucial role in combating militant groups while also generating ongoing tensions.
Coalition forces were deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2014 to counter the Islamic State (IS) group, which had captured vast territories and committed numerous atrocities.
Although IS was defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, coalition troops remained to address the remnants of the group.
In 2024, Baghdad and Washington agreed to gradually wind down the coalition’s presence, limiting troops to the autonomous Kurdistan region, with the final withdrawal scheduled for Wednesday.
The Iraqi government views the coalition’s exit as a pivotal moment, eliminating a rationale for powerful militant factions to retain their arms.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has proclaimed October 1, the day after the coalition’s departure, as Sovereignty Day, marking a significant step towards Iraq’s full autonomy.
Looking ahead, the Iraqi government plans to bolster its security forces to ensure stability in the absence of coalition support.
This transition will be closely monitored by international observers as Iraq navigates its path towards complete sovereignty.