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Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, officially announced on Wednesday the completion of the international coalition’s mission to combat ISIS in Iraq. The announcement was made during a formal ceremony held in Baghdad to mark Sovereignty Day on September 30, 2026, attended by the coalition commander and leaders from various military branches and security formations. In his speech, Al-Zaidi emphasized that Iraq is now reaping the rewards of immense sacrifices and heroic efforts spanning several years, during which the security forces of all branches established full control over the security and operational landscape across the country. He highlighted that this day evokes a vivid memory of the Iraqi people defending their land and cities that were desecrated by terrorists. He added that the conclusion of the coalition’s mission proves that cooperation between allied forces and friendly nations resulted in a victory over one of the darkest chapters of extremism and brutality in history. He explained that the popular uprising alongside the armed forces marked the start of a new phase in which the military reorganized its command structures, mobilized resources, unified efforts, and took the initiative. Al-Zaidi noted that friendly countries extended crucial support during this decisive confrontation, successfully aiding in reorganizing and rearming the armed forces, while the Joint Operations Command served as the heart of coordination, intelligence gathering, planning, and leadership throughout this major national battle. He expressed gratitude to all countries that participated in the international coalition, as well as to its leaders, officers, trainers, and advisors who worked alongside Iraqi security forces. He also stressed that the end of the coalition’s mission does not mark the end of the fight against terrorism but rather a transition to a phase where Iraq assumes full responsibility for its security and stability. The transfer of joint operations tasks to the Commander-in-Chief’s office reflects an institutional framework to manage these efforts under state authority and supreme leadership. The new phase is characterized by Iraq’s sovereignty, institutional strength, military readiness, unified decision-making, and balanced partnerships with friendly nations. He confirmed that security cooperation with the international coalition will continue in a more effective and focused manner, incorporating advanced technology and digital tools to support security and stability. He concluded by stating that the mission ended in victory, and the responsibility to protect this achievement now rests with all Iraqis, emphasizing that no weapons are allowed outside the law, nor any force outside state institutions, in accordance with the constitution, the guidance of the religious authority, and the will of the Iraqi people.
