Iraq to announce end date for US-led coalition mission ‘soon’
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on Tuesday that an update on the end date for the US-led international coalition’s mission in Iraq will be forthcoming. In an interview with Bloomberg, al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq’s situation has significantly changed since 2014, highlighting that the country has successfully defeated Daesh/ISIS through collective sacrifices and national resilience. He noted that the justifications for maintaining a coalition of 86 countries are no longer valid.
Al-Sudani also mentioned that while the coalition’s mission is set to conclude, this does not signal a breakdown in relations between Iraq and the coalition countries, including the United States. He pointed out that Iraq is engaging in bilateral talks with Washington to establish “sustainable security relationships” moving forward. The Prime Minister stressed that the transition from a period of conflict to stability reflects the diminished threat posed by Daesh/ISIS.
Currently, the United States has around 2,500 personnel in Iraq as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. This mission, which aims to assist in the fight against ISIS, is under review as Iraq prepares to transition to a new phase of security and stability.
