The government of Iraq celebrates, starting this Wednesday (30), the official end of the military mission led by the United States and the total withdrawal of foreign troops from its territory.
The conclusion of the “Inherent Resolve” operation ends a 12-year military presence focused on the supposed fight against the Islamic State group and begins a four-day national holiday program under the motto “Days of Sovereignty”.
In an official ceremony, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared the beginning of a new political and institutional cycle in the country. “A new stage has begun, defined by the sovereignty of Iraq, the strength of its institutions, the preparation of its forces, unity in decision-making and balanced alliances with its friends”, stated the head of government.
The US Department of Defense confirmed that the last contingents left the Erbil air base, in the north of the country.
International intervention had been requested in 2014 by the Iraqi government itself, after the Islamic State dominated large regions of the country and neighboring Syria. The group was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, with the support of Kurdish fighters and local militias.
In 2024, Washington and Baghdad agreed on a plan to gradually end combat operations, culminating in the definitive transfer of military installations to the control of Iraqi security forces.
Security Challenges
With the completion of the withdrawal, the Iraqi Air Force command reported that the inspection and patrol of the national airspace has already been carried out autonomously by the country’s own aircraft and drones.
The termination of the American military presence also reignited the internal debate about the disarmament of armed groups and militias operating in the country. The Iraqi government has extended the deadline for the regulation and delivery of arsenals by local factions to June 2027.
Iraqi and U.S. officials said bilateral cooperation between the two nations will continue in a civilian and training support format.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
