Baghdad:Iraq today marks the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission to combat ISIS, which officially ended on September 30, 2026. This milestone concludes a 12-year chapter that began in 2014 when ISIS posed a severe threat to the country by controlling nearly a third of it.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the mission’s end is seen not just as the conclusion of military operations but as a declaration of Iraq’s regained capacity to manage its security independently. The coalition was instrumental in supporting Iraq with air support, training, and intelligence-sharing, which contributed significantly to the defeat of ISIS by December 2017.

The end of the coalition’s mission is celebrated as a victory achieved by Iraqis and a tribute to the sacrifices made by the martyrs, the wounded, and their families. It also acknowledges the bravery of the Iraqi security forces and the support of friendly countries and the international community during challenging times.

This occasion emphasizes Iraq’s recovery and its ability to independently ensure its security, marking a shift from a recipient of support to a partner in regional stability. The end of the coalition mission aligns with Iraq’s efforts to manage its security affairs independently and foster mature relations with neighboring countries.

Further exemplifying this growing autonomy is the recent Iraqi-Turkish agreement, where Iraq will gradually take control of the Bashiqa military camp. This agreement results from extensive dialogue with Turkey and reflects a broader cooperative effort, including the Development Road project linking Iraq and Turkey to Europe.

The transition also involves addressing the control of weapons within Iraq, ensuring they remain under state control as per constitutional mandates. This initiative is part of a broader state-building effort, reflecting past experiences like the integration of various armed groups into national security structures.

Recent developments, such as the unification of the Peshmerga forces in the Kurdistan Region, demonstrate successful integration efforts. Looking ahead, new legislation for the Popular Mobilization Forces is anticipated to further define and regulate their role within Iraq’s defense system, reinforcing stability and state-building efforts across the nation.