Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani revealed that the international coalition's mission to combat ISIS will conclude as scheduled in September 2026. In an interview with an Italian newspaper, al-Sudani confirmed that Iraq is working to affirm this deadline without delay, reflecting the Iraqi government's determination to regain full security control.
Al-Sudani explained that the international coalition has begun to reduce its presence in Iraq, having announced in January 2023 the completion of the coalition's withdrawal from its territory, except for the Kurdistan Region. According to a previous agreement between Baghdad and Washington, the presence of military advisers in the Kurdistan Region is expected to end by September 2026. Consequently, Iraq is moving towards forming new security partnerships with coalition countries.
Details of the Announcement
During the interview, al-Sudani stated that once foreign military presence in Iraqi territory ends, it will be easier to dismantle armed factions, which are considered a major cause of instability in Iraq. He announced that Iraqi forces are now capable of dealing with ISIS independently, pointing out that the government has made significant progress in military operations against extremists since the collapse of ISIS in 2017.
However, the security situation in Iraq remains complex. Recently, there has been an increase in airstrikes on positions of Iranian-backed armed factions, in addition to attacks targeting American interests in the country. The Iraqi government has also been working to confront Iranian military presence on its territory, following heightened regional tensions due to conflicts occurring in various areas.
Background & Context
Military operations against ISIS officially began after the military campaign launched by the United States in 2014, followed by three years of fierce warfare that caused widespread destruction in Iraqi cities. Iraq managed to regain control of the territories lost to ISIS, but security challenges remain, including the accumulation of weapons and the military presence of armed groups.
In early 2023, agreements were made between the Iraqi government and the international coalition regarding the rebuilding of Iraq's defensive capabilities and achieving the stability needed to enhance national security without relying on foreign forces. Through these steps, Iraq aims to return to active participation in the regional and international system.
Impact & Consequences
The implications of the coalition's withdrawal from Iraq manifest in several aspects. On the security front, Iraq will need to continue strengthening its military capabilities to face any potential threats that may arise in the future and achieve lasting stability in the country. It is expected that Iraqi affairs will be more prominently addressed in regional and international negotiations, given the current situation characterized by political rivalries among major powers in the region.
Moreover, the end of the coalition's role may encourage armed factions to exert more influence on the political scene in Iraq, potentially causing further internal divisions. Iraq needs to promote national dialogue among all parties to enhance peace and stability.
Regional Significance
The conclusion of the international coalition's mission in Iraq is seen as a turning point that could affect security balances in the region. Allowing Iraq to face security challenges alone may lead to the emergence of new extremist groups, necessitating caution from neighboring countries. Stability in Iraq could have repercussions on the security situation in Syria, Lebanon, and other countries in the region that have been affected by the presence of ISIS and armed conflicts.
Ultimately, the current situation requires further collective efforts among Arab countries to support Iraq in its endeavors to build a strong and unified army capable of confronting threats and creating a safe environment for citizens. The challenges remain in how to persuade armed factions to express national issues through peaceful dialogue rather than reverting to reliance on arms.