ISLAMABAD (TDI): The international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) will conclude its military mission in Iraq within a year, according to an announcement made by Washington and Baghdad.
This decision follows months of negotiations regarding the coalition’s future.
The coalition was formed in 2014 to support local forces in reclaiming territory lost to jihadists in Iraq and Syria.
A joint statement confirmed that the coalition’s military operations in Iraq will cease by the end of September 2025.
A senior U.S. official stated that the two countries have agreed on a two-phase transition plan.
The first phase, lasting until September next year, will involve reducing the presence of coalition forces in specific locations throughout Iraq.
While operations in Iraq will end, the coalition will maintain its mission in Syria.
The international troops to conduct anti-IS operations from Iraq during the second phase, which will last until September 2026.
However, neither the joint statement nor U.S. officials provided details regarding the future number of American troops in Iraq.
As many 2,500 personnel are currently deployed currently as part of the coalition.
The joint statement also noted that Iraq is engaged with the U.S. and other coalition members to establish appropriate bilateral security relations.
