US-led coalition ends mission in Iraq
BAGHDAD: A US-led coalition deployed in Iraq more than a decade ago to fight jihadists concluded its mission on Wednesday, a move celebrated by the country’s leaders, but which some fear will embolden pro-Iran armed factions.
On Wednesday, the US-led coalition that fought ISIS in Iraq more than a decade ago officially ended its mission, amid mixed reactions. While celebrating the withdrawal, Iraqi leaders expressed concerns that it might embolden pro-Iran factions. The coalition, which entered Iraq and Syria in 2014 to combat ISIS, withdrew from bases across Iraq and restricted its presence to the northern Kurdistan region.
Despite ISIS being defeated in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019, the coalition continued to fight the group's remnants. The US and Iraq agreed in 2024 to wind down the mission. US officials stated that they would continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to Iraqi partners. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi hailed the end of the mission as the start of a new chapter, emphasizing the country's sovereignty, strong institutions, and unity of decision-making.
However, Kurdish military commander Sirwan Barzani expressed worry about the withdrawal, stating that the Peshmerga forces had no means to protect the skies of Kurdistan. The withdrawal sparked a debate over the disarmament of various factions, with some factions threatening to bring down the government if their demands were not met.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- US-led coalition ends mission in Iraq thejakartapost.com
