Iraq Officially Announces the End of the International Coalition's Mission Against ISIS

- The Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi, announced on Wednesday the official end of the international coalition's mission to combat ISIS in Iraq. Al-Zaydi stated at an official ceremony in the capital, Baghdad: "We announce the end of the international coalition's mission to combat ISIS to prove that cooperation between friendly forces and friendly peoples has resulted in victory over one of the darkest chapters of extremism and brutality in history."

He added: "Iraq is reaping today the fruits of significant sacrifices and heroic efforts that have extended for years, allowing our security forces of various types to establish their control over the security and field scene across all of Iraq." He continued: "We extend our thanks and appreciation to all the friendly countries that participated in the international coalition, and to its leaders, officers, trainers, and advisors who worked alongside our security forces."

Al-Zaydi stated that "the end of the international coalition's mission does not mean the end of our battle with terrorism, but rather it is a transition for Iraq to a stage where it assumes full responsibility for its security and stability." The Iraqi Prime Minister emphasized that "there is no weapon outside the umbrella of the law, and no power outside the institutions of the state, in accordance with the constitution and what our wise reference has called for and what our people want."

The international coalition against ISIS was formed in September 2014, after the organization seized vast areas of Iraq, and the war continued until December 2017.