Iraq Confirms Full US-Led Coalition Withdrawal
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has announced the complete withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq, declaring the end of the coalition’s military mission against Islamic State and describing October 1 as the beginning of a new phase in the country’s sovereignty.
Iraq Confirms US-Led Coalition Withdrawal
Al-Zaidi said the withdrawal marks the full conclusion of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq.
The US-led coalition was formed in 2014 after Islamic State seized large areas of Iraq and Syria. Iraqi forces, supported by coalition troops, recaptured the group’s territorial strongholds in Iraq by 2017, although operations continued against remaining militants.
The Iraqi government has now formally declared the coalition mission complete.
Baghdad Sets Deadline for Armed Group Disarmament
Al-Zaidi also announced a new roadmap aimed at bringing all weapons under state control.
The process is expected to continue until no later than June 30, 2027, with the government seeking the disarmament of non-Iraqi armed groups operating inside the country.
Baghdad said the objective is to strengthen border security, reinforce state authority and prevent armed factions from operating outside official institutions.
Iraqi Armed Factions Reject Disarmament Timeline
The announcement comes amid resistance from some powerful armed groups inside Iraq.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organisation representing several armed factions, has rejected demands to surrender its weapons and said it is not bound by any government-imposed timeline.
The disagreement highlights the challenge facing Baghdad as it shifts from managing the withdrawal of foreign troops to consolidating control over armed groups operating within Iraqi territory.
