The End of the US-led International Coalition Mission in Iraq
The US and Iraq have announced the conclusion of the international coalition mission against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq by the end of September 2025. This decision follows extensive discussions regarding the future of this alliance formed in 2014 involving multiple countries, including France and the UK.
Transition Plan and Phases
A transition plan in two phases has been agreed upon, with the first phase lasting until the end of September the following year involving the withdrawal of coalition forces from certain parts of Iraq. The second phase, from September 2025 to September 2026, will focus on the Kurdish region in northern Iraq.
Future of US Troops and Coalition Operations
Details regarding the fate of the approximately 2,500 US troops deployed in Iraq remain undisclosed, although there is ongoing communication with the Iraqi government about the evolution of bilateral relations. The negotiations on the coalition’s future began in winter 2023 to address regional tensions impacting Iraq.
Irak’s Security and Continued Threats
Despite declaring victory over IS in late 2017, Iraq faces ongoing challenges from jihadist cells that sporadically attack security forces in rural areas. Baghdad asserts that its security forces are now equipped to combat IS without the coalition’s presence, noting the diminished threat posed by the weakened jihadist group.
*Image: Insert appropriate image related to the coalition mission in Iraq.*
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