France has withdrawn its last troops participating in the international coalition to combat ISIS in Iraq, according to a statement by the French military on Thursday. The withdrawal marks the end of France's military involvement in the coalition, which officially concluded its mission on Wednesday. However, France remains committed to cooperating with Baghdad and is prepared to respond to requests for assistance.
The French military's statement clarified that the withdrawal from the coalition's Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq represents a significant phase in the fight against ISIS and the strengthening of the Iraqi army's capabilities. The Iraqi army is now capable of assuming responsibility for the country's security. In 2014, international forces were deployed to Iraq and Syria to combat jihadists who had seized large areas of both countries.
France launched Operation Chammal in 2014, its contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve, with the aim of training and advising Iraqi forces, as well as providing air support to the coalition. The operation involved ten Rafale fighter jets deployed in the UAE and Jordan. Prior to the conflict in the Middle East that began on February 28, approximately 600 French military personnel were still participating in Operation Chammal.
A French military personnel, Arnaud Froion, was killed and six others were injured in a drone attack on March 12, which targeted the base where they were stationed in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. According to the French military, the framework of Operation Chammal remains active, enabling cooperation between France and Iraq.
The French military stated that it can still establish strong bonds with Iraq through joint training exercises, for example. The international coalition led by the United States to combat ISIS concluded its mission in Iraq on Wednesday, after 12 years during which it contributed to the defeat of jihadists but also caused internal tensions.
The coalition's presence in Iraq has been marked by controversy, with some Iraqis viewing the foreign troops as occupiers. The Iraqi government has maintained that the coalition's presence was necessary to combat the ISIS threat, but has also faced pressure from various factions to limit the presence of foreign troops.
The withdrawal of French troops from the coalition is seen as a significant development in the region, as it marks a shift in the international community's approach to combating terrorism in Iraq. The Iraqi government will now be responsible for securing the country, with support from the international community.
Key points
- France withdraws last troops from international coalition fighting ISIS in Iraq
- French military involvement in coalition concluded, but cooperation with Baghdad to continue
- Iraqi army now capable of assuming responsibility for country's security
