Iraqi prime minister announces official end of anti-Daesh coalition mission

Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, announced today the official completion of the international coalition's mission to combat Daesh remnants in Iraq.

According to a statement from the prime minister's media office, reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Zaidi presided over the official ceremony held by the Office of the Commander-in-Chief in Baghdad to mark Sovereignty Day on September 30, 2026, and the end of the international coalition's mission in Iraq. The event was attended by the coalition commander and leaders from various military and security branches.

In his address, Al-Zaidi stated: "Today, we announce the end of the international coalition's mission to fight Daesh, demonstrating that cooperation between friendly forces and nations has led to victory over one of the darkest chapters of extremism and brutality in history." He emphasized that "Iraq is now reaping the rewards of immense sacrifices and heroic efforts over the years, as our security forces have established control over the security and field situation across the country."

The prime minister noted that "September 30, 2026, will remain etched in memory as a day when our people defended their land, cities, and towns from terrorists." He explained, "The popular mobilization alongside our armed forces marked the beginning of a phase in which our forces reorganized command structures, mobilized resources, unified efforts, and took the initiative."

He added that "friendly countries extended support to Iraq during this critical confrontation, and our armed forces successfully reorganized and rearmed." He pointed out that "the Joint Operations Command was, throughout the years of the war on terror, the heart of coordination, intelligence gathering, planning, and leadership in this major national battle."

Al-Zaidi expressed "thanks and appreciation to all friendly countries that participated in the international coalition, as well as its commanders, officers, trainers, and advisors who worked alongside our security forces." He stressed that "the end of the coalition's mission does not mean the end of our battle with terrorism, but rather Iraq's transition to a phase of full responsibility for its own security and stability."

He explained that "the transfer of joint operations tasks to the Office of the Commander-in-Chief institutionalizes the management of this effort under the authority and leadership of the state."

He continued: "A new phase has begun, defined by Iraq's sovereignty, the strength of its institutions, the readiness of its forces, unified decision-making, and balanced partnerships with its friends."

He stressed that "security cooperation will remain open with friends from the international coalition and will become more effective and focused, utilizing technology and digital tools to support security and stability." He added, "The mission has ended in victory, and the responsibility to protect this achievement now rests with all of us."

He concluded: "There will be no weapons outside the law, and no force outside state institutions, in accordance with the constitution and the guidance of our religious authorities and the will of our people."

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