Baghdad, 29 December 2021 (TDI): Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi confirmed on Wednesday the end of the U.S.-led coalition forces’ combat mission in Iraq after the withdrawal of the forces from the country. The US mission was dedicated principally on combating ISIS terrorist organization.
This decision comes after weeks of the fourth anniversary of the Declaration of Victory over terrorism in the country.
In his official Twitter account, al-Kadhimi posted:
“The combat mission of the international coalition has ended, and all the combat equipment withdrew outside Iraq”.
He also stated that the relation with the American-led international coalition will continue.
In this sense, the strategic partnership would continue in the field of training, advice, and empowerment.
The decision also comes after an official resolution passed by the Iraqi Parliament on January 5, 2020, requiring the government to end the presence of foreign forces in the country.
In July this year, the United States and Iraq held a session of strategic dialogue, during which the two countries agreed on withdrawing all U.S. combat troops from Iraq by December 31.
Iraq-US security and political relationship
On political issues, the United States of America expressed its solidarity with the Republic of Iraq, through its support for Iraq and the new Iraqi government.
The two nations have reiterated the importance of assisting Iraq in implementing its governmental program and reforms several times. The US assisted the Iraqi people, carrying out humanitarian efforts, restoring stability, rebuilding the country, and organizing free, fair, and credible elections.
Furthermore, the countries have worked on Iraq’s electoral preparations, efforts to strengthen rule of law, human rights, and the return and reintegration of displaced people. This represents the smaller components of Iraqi society that were targeted for genocide by ISIS.
On a Joint Meeting in 2020, the two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat. The US agreed to continue reducing forces from Iraq and discuss the status of the remaining forces.
The United States reiterated that “it does not seek nor request permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq, as previously agreed to in the 2008 SFA which provides for security cooperation to be undertaken on the basis of mutual agreement”.
By its side, the Government of Iraq committed to protecting the military personnel of the International Coalition. The government also hosted them consistent with international law and the specific arrangements for their presence.
The two sides reaffirmed the importance of the strategic relationship and their determination to take appropriate steps to enhance it in the interest of both countries and to achieve security, stability, and prosperity in the region.
