The US Pentagon announced on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, that the coalition mission against jihadists in Iraq had officially come to an end. This marks the conclusion of a 12-year operation led by the United States. The coalition, which was formed in 2014, was established to combat the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. The coalition's mission was to defeat ISIS and restore stability to the region.
The withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq began in 2025, with the majority of troops leaving the country. The remaining forces were stationed at Erbil Air Base in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The base had been the target of several missile and drone attacks by Iran over the past year. The US Pentagon confirmed that the coalition's departure from Erbil Air Base marked the successful conclusion of the military mission.
The coalition was formed in response to ISIS's rapid expansion in Iraq and Syria in 2014. The group seized large areas of territory and committed atrocities against civilians. The coalition's efforts led to the defeat of ISIS in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019. However, the group still maintains a presence in the region, and the Iraqi government and US have agreed to continue cooperation to combat the remaining elements of ISIS.
The US Pentagon stated that it will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to Iraqi security forces. The Iraqi government has expressed its commitment to maintaining security in the country and combating the remaining elements of ISIS. The peshmerga forces of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will also play a key role in ensuring the country's stability.
The withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq marks a significant shift in the country's security landscape. The Iraqi government will now take full responsibility for maintaining security in the country. The US and Iraqi governments have agreed to strengthen their partnership in other areas, including economic cooperation.
The end of the coalition mission in Iraq comes as the country faces ongoing challenges, including tensions with neighboring countries and internal divisions. The US and Iraqi governments have expressed their commitment to continuing cooperation and supporting Iraq's stability and security.
The conclusion of the coalition mission in Iraq marks a significant milestone in the country's history. The US and coalition partners have played a crucial role in supporting Iraq's security and stability. The Iraqi government will now need to navigate the complex security landscape and maintain stability in the country.
Key points
- The US Pentagon announced the official end of the coalition mission against jihadists in Iraq.
- The coalition's departure from Erbil Air Base marked the successful conclusion of the military mission.
- The US will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to Iraqi security forces.
