Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al‑Zaidi told reporters on Wednesday that the country's armed and police units have assumed complete responsibility for internal security. He framed the development as the start of a "new phase" of Iraqi sovereignty, coinciding with the termination of the United Nations‑mandated, US‑led international coalition that has operated in the country for several years.
The coalition, composed of multiple partner nations and coordinated by the United States, has been present in Iraq to support counter‑terrorism and stability operations. Its official mandate is now ending, and the hand‑over of duties to Iraqi forces marks a significant transition in the security architecture of the nation. No further details were provided about the exact timeline or the procedural steps involved in the drawdown.
According to al‑Zaidi, Iraqi security institutions are fully prepared to manage the responsibilities previously overseen by coalition personnel. He emphasized that the armed forces, police, and intelligence services have been reinforced and are equipped to address any emerging threats without external assistance. The prime minister underscored the importance of maintaining vigilance during the transition period to ensure continuity of public safety.
Observers noted that the conclusion of the coalition's mission could have broader implications for regional stability, given Iraq's central role in Middle Eastern security dynamics. While the government highlighted its readiness, analysts cautioned that the shift may test the resilience of Iraq's security sector as it navigates the post‑coalition environment. The international community is expected to monitor the situation closely, though no specific follow‑up actions were announced.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/watch-iraq-says-security-forces-ready-us-led-coalition-mission-ends.