Iraqi Forces to Assume Control of Ain al-Asad Air Base Next Week as International Coalition Withdraws
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the U.S.-led international coalition will begin withdrawing from Iraq‘s Ain al-Asad Air Base in Anbar Province within the next week, as confirmed by Iraq’s Joint Operations Command. The transfer of control to Iraqi forces follows substantial security improvements in 2025, including a dramatic reduction in terrorist activities.
Major General Qais al-Muhammadawi, Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, stated during a press conference that Iraqi security forces neutralized 39 terrorists in drone strikes this year, reducing border infiltration to zero. He emphasized that remaining security responsibilities in disputed provinces will be fully transferred to the Interior Ministry by 2026, with continued coordination between federal forces and Kurdish Peshmerga.
Prime Minister’s advisor Hussein al-Alawi confirmed the imminent handover, noting Iraq remains committed to strengthening defense ties with the U.S. under the Strategic Framework Agreement while enhancing bilateral relations with partner nations. The withdrawal process began in September 2025 following a 2024 agreement to end the international coalition’s mission, with phase two expected to conclude by September 2026.
Al-Alawi described the transfer of Ain al-Asad as a pivotal moment in concluding Iraq’s campaign against ISIS remnants. The base served as a key coalition facility following the 2014 war against the terrorist group.
