Iraq celebrates end of coalition combat mission

Iraq celebrated the conclusion of the US-led coalition's combat mission. The Pentagon announced the end of Operation Inherent Resolve to counter the Islamic State group. This milestone marks the end of a significant chapter of foreign military involvement in Iraq.The United States and Iraq had agreed in September 2024 to wind down its military mission and withdraw forces from bases. While the combat role has ended, the United States affirmed its commitment to provide training and intelligence support to Iraqi partners. The primary responsibility for addressing Iraq's security challenges now rests with the Iraqi government.Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared October 1st a national "Sovereignty Day" to mark the coalition forces' departure, hailing the mission's end as a new chapter for Iraq, marked by sovereignty. The Iraqi government views the coalition's withdrawal as removing a justification for powerful armed factions to retain their weapons outside state authority. However, security experts and citizens express concerns that the pullout could potentially embolden these factions or create a security vacuum that could be exploited by the Islamic State group.President Trump celebrated the withdrawal as a victory for the United States, stating that the time had come for American forces to return home. The US military presence in Iraq began with the 2003 invasion toppling Saddam Hussein; forces largely withdrew in 2011, returning in 2014 to combat the Islamic State group. The transition from a wartime coalition mission to an Iraqi-led security effort aims to foster a normalized security relationship between the United States and Iraq.