Iraq takes control of US forces' headquarters, asserts security independence

Iraqi authorities have announced the handover of the main headquarters of US forces at Baghdad International Airport, alongside reaching an agreement with Turkey on the withdrawal of Turkish military forces from the Bashiqa base in Nineveh province.

Major General Saad Maan, head of the Security Media Cell, stated that these steps reflect Iraq's ability to continue security cooperation with international partners on the basis of mutual respect and the preservation of Iraqi decision-making independence.

In a statement to the state-run Al-Sabah newspaper on Monday, Maan explained that the Iraqi government now holds the final authority in determining the nature of military and security presence on its territory. He added that strengthening Iraq's sovereignty and its independent management of security affairs are fundamental to the country's stability and the development of its regional and international relations.

Iraqi air presence and operational independence

For his part, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, Lieutenant General Pilot Khaled Al-Tamimi, said that the international coalition has not carried out any missions inside Iraq since the beginning of 2026, noting that all air operations are now conducted independently. He explained that Iraqi F-16 jets have completed missions for more than 10 days without foreign intervention, and that maintenance of these aircraft is handled entirely by Iraqi personnel.

Al-Tamimi noted that Iraqi drones have replaced coalition aircraft in reconnaissance missions, with daily aerial surveys conducted over Iraqi territory. He pointed out that the air force carried out 58,822 missions during the war against ISIS militants, and that the threat of terrorism is now very limited thanks to security vigilance and air capabilities.

Developing capabilities and international cooperation

Al-Tamimi added that Iraq is negotiating with countries to acquire advanced aircraft such as the Rafale, aiming to build a modern air force. He mentioned ongoing efforts to manufacture drones locally and to establish a dedicated command for this weapon, highlighting a recent advanced air exercise with France, Italy, the US, and Jordan, as well as the possession of an integrated air defense system.

In the same context, Iraq is expected to conclude its cooperation with the international coalition supporting anti-ISIS efforts on the 30th of this month, transitioning to bilateral relations based on agreements with some coalition countries to support armament programs, security force training, and readiness enhancement.