Iraqi Official Hails Withdrawal of International Coalition Forces from Ain al-Asad as Significant Step
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Fras al-Muslamawi, spokesperson for Iraq‘s Reconstruction and Development Coalition, described the departure of the international anti-ISIS coalition from Ain al-Asad airbase in Al-Anbar province as a significant step toward a more balanced phase in Iraq’s security development.
Al-Muslamawi stated that the coalition’s withdrawal from Ain al-Asad and other bases, along with their full handover to Iraqi armed forces, strengthens national sovereignty and boosts confidence in the country’s military and security institutions.
The spokesperson, whose coalition is headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, added that this move demonstrates Iraq’s progress toward a more balanced approach in security sector development, based on cooperative partnerships with the international community aligned with Iraq’s national interests and regional stability requirements.
Previously, Qais al-Muhammadawi, deputy commander of Iraq’s Joint Operations Command, confirmed that an agreement to end the international coalition’s mandate was finalized three months ago. He noted that no coalition forces remain in the joint operations command, with Ain al-Asad base undergoing complete evacuation and handover to Iraqi security forces, a process set to conclude next week.
Al-Muhammadawi emphasized that Iraq’s government is shifting toward international memoranda of understanding and agreements with the U.S., UK, and France rather than direct military presence, adding that security in Iraq’s western desert has reached an advanced level.
