Baghdad: The head of the Security Media and Public Relations Authority at the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, announced on Tuesday that the government led by Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, has made significant strides in the security domain over the first 100 days of its tenure. These efforts are rooted in a strategic vision aimed at enhancing state sovereignty, unifying security and military decision-making, and bolstering the capabilities of official institutions to safeguard Iraq and its citizens.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Maan highlighted the government’s commitment to reinforcing national sovereignty, notably by planning to conclude the international coalition’s mission in Iraq by September 30, 2026. This transition marks a new phase in Iraq’s security relations, emphasizing independent national decision-making and strengthening the country’s security and military forces to assume full responsibility for national protection.
The government has prioritized restricting the decision-making on warfare and weaponry to constitutional and official entities, moving from a political slogan to a clear governmental directive. This approach is intended to fortify state authority, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that security and military decisions are exclusively made by state institutions, thereby preserving Iraq’s security and stability.
Maan underscored the government’s stance that Iraqi territory should not serve as a launchpad for aggression against neighboring countries or become a battleground for regional disputes. The administration is actively working to prevent Iraq from being used for external attacks while maintaining balanced international relations to protect the nation’s supreme interests.
Significant efforts have been made to modernize the security apparatus, including reorganizing key positions, clarifying strategic responsibilities, and enhancing coordination among security institutions. These measures aim to improve efficiency, prevent overlaps in responsibilities, and foster a unified national security vision.
Administrative and judicial reforms, alongside anti-corruption measures, are integral to the security strategy, reflecting the belief that state strength is not solely determined by military capabilities but also by legal enforcement, public fund protection, and citizen trust in state institutions.
A notable organizational change is the merging of the Joint Operations Command with the Office of the Personal Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief into a new entity, the “Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.” This move aims to streamline decision-making, reduce bureaucracy, and build a cohesive national security strategy.
Maan also noted the process of redistributing roles between the Ministries of Defense and Interior, with plans to hand over city center security in Diyala, Salah al-Din, Nineveh, and Kirkuk to the Ministry of Interior. This transition includes regular evaluations of security and law enforcement effectiveness.
The reorganization of operational sectors, such as renaming the Eastern Salah al-Din Operations Command to the Desert Operations Command, addresses specific security challenges and enhances border protection. The government is also enhancing the capabilities of the Popular Mobilization Forces to ensure their integration within the state’s security framework.
In combating terrorism and organized crime, continuous operational and intelligence efforts are underway to dismantle ISIS remnants and maintain the readiness of security forces. The government is also advancing a comprehensive security approach that includes preventive, legal, and community security measures.
Maan emphasized the priority given to air defense and the protection of national sovereignty, with the Commander-in-Chief directing a multi-year development plan to enhance air defense capabilities, ensuring a unified national response to airspace threats.
Regional security efforts include establishing intelligence coordination channels with neighboring countries to address cross-border threats and smuggling operations, thereby strengthening border security.
The successful implementation of the security plan for the Arba’een pilgrimage in Karbala, personally overseen by the Prime Minister, exemplifies the high level of coordination and preparedness between security and service institutions.
Lieutenant General Maan concluded by affirming the government’s dedication to rebuilding Iraq’s security framework centered around state institutions and the rule of law. The government is committed to safeguarding Iraq’s sovereignty, unifying security and military decision-making, and forming balanced international relations.
Iraq’s security, sovereignty, and national decision-making are deemed inviolable, with the state being the sole authority on matters of war and peace, and its security institutions being the primary defenders of national interests and sovereignty.