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Iraq says September 30 withdrawal deadline for US-led coalition ‘final’

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Iraq has declared the September 30 deadline for the withdrawal of the US-led coalition forces as 'final'.
  • Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stated that October 1 will mark Iraq's freedom from foreign military presence.
  • The withdrawal signifies a shift towards economic and security cooperation between Iraq and the US.

Iraq has firmly stated that the September 30 deadline for the withdrawal of the US-led coalition forces is "fixed and final." Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made the declaration on Wednesday, emphasizing that October 1 will usher in a new era for Iraq, free from any foreign military presence.

September 30 will be the fixed and final date for ending the military mission of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Iraq and completing the departure of its forces.

— Iraqi Prime Minister's officeStating the definitive deadline for the coalition's withdrawal.

The announcement came after a meeting between al-Zaidi and US Central Command Commander General Brad Cooper. This withdrawal marks the end of a military mission that began with the 2003 US-led invasion. The current, smaller US-led operations against ISIS were agreed to be wound down in 2024.

According to a statement from the prime minister's office, placing all weapons under state control is a crucial step for Iraq's development and prosperity. Both Iraqi and US officials confirmed the agreed-upon deadline, which was discussed during al-Zaidi's visit to Washington in mid-July. The relationship between the two nations is expected to transition towards economic and security cooperation, built on mutual respect and shared interests.

October 1 will mark a new day in the trajectory of the Iraqi state, as Iraq will be free of any foreign military presence.

— Iraqi Prime Minister's officeDescribing the significance of the withdrawal for Iraq's sovereignty.

A US official confirmed the expected completion of the pullout by September 30, noting the success in defeating ISIS. The official stated that Iraqi security forces will now lead the fight against terrorism within Iraq. While US troops largely withdrew from Iraq last year, a presence remained in the semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region, which has seen regular attacks since February 28.

The United States, Iraq and coalition partners have achieved tremendous success in defeating ISIS and now the Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga and other Iraqi Kurdistan Region security forces, will lead the fight against terrorists in Iraq.

— US officialCommenting on the success of the mission and the future role of Iraqi forces.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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