Iraq completes first phase of anti-Daesh coalition mission, takes full control

Iraq has announced the successful completion of the initial phase of ending the international coalition's mission against Daesh, with all coalition advisors withdrawn and bases transferred to Iraqi control. The country now shifts to a bilateral security partnership with the US.

The Iraqi government announced late Sunday the formal conclusion of the first and most significant phase of the U.S.-led international coalition's military mission within its borders. The High Military Committee for Ending the Mission of the International Coalition stated that all coalition military bases and command headquarters in federal Iraq have been evacuated, with Iraqi security forces assuming full and exclusive control of these sites.

Key bases transferred to Iraqi sovereignty

The final step in this withdrawal process involved two critical locations: the Ain al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province and the coalition's Joint Operations Command headquarters. The departure of the last coalition advisors from these facilities marks a major milestone in Iraq's reassertion of sovereignty over its territory. The Iraqi Defense Ministry had confirmed the U.S. withdrawal from Ain al-Asad and the army's assumption of control on Saturday.

A new bilateral security framework begins

With the coalition's direct combat mission ended, the relationship between Baghdad and Washington is transitioning to a new model. The Iraqi committee stated the focus is now on a bilateral security relationship centered on implementing military cooperation agreements. This partnership will aim to develop the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces through equipment, training, and joint exercises to ensure sustained readiness against the persistent threat from Daesh remnants. The statement noted that Iraqi forces may still conduct joint anti-Daesh operations with the U.S. from Ain al-Asad when necessary.

Phase two: Cross-border operations from Iraq into Syria

While the coalition's mission within Iraq has been reconfigured, its fight against Daesh continues in neighboring Syria. The announcement confirmed the start of the plan's second and final phase, which involves ongoing coalition military operations in Syria. These operations will be coordinated from Iraq, utilizing an air base in Irbil in the northern Kurdish region for logistical support. This arrangement, agreed upon in a September 2024 U.S.-Iraq joint statement, is designed to prevent spillover threats to Iraqi national security and is scheduled to run through September 2026. For nations like Türkiye, which faces security threats from terrorist groups, the stability of Iraq and the effective containment of Daesh in Syria remain vital interests, underscoring the importance of coordinated international efforts that respect national sovereignty.