dpa
baghdad
The United States has completed its troop withdrawal from Iraq, the Pentagon said on Wednesday, bringing more than two decades of US military involvement in the country to an end.
The US and its coalition partners have formally concluded Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq after a 12-year campaign against the Islamic State terrorist group, the Defense Department in Washington said. The departure of the last coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq marked the “successful conclusion of the military mission that defeated” the Islamic State, according to the statement by chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi described the withdrawal as marking a new phase for the country - but stressed that the fight against Islamic State would continue.
“The end of the international coalition’s mission does not mean the end of our battle against terrorism,” al-Zaidi said during celebrations in Baghdad marking the “Day of Sovereignty.”
“Rather, it marks Iraq’s transition to a phase where it assumes full responsibility for its own security and stability.”
Al-Zaidi said security cooperation with coalition members would continue, including through the use of technology and digital capabilities.Iran-aligned militias react to withdrawal
The withdrawal comes amid concerns about powerful Iran-aligned militias that retain significant influence in Iraq.
One such militia, Kataib Hezbollah, threatened to overthrow al-Zaidi’s government “by all means” if it acted against the “interests of the people.” The militia also threatened to shoot down “hostile aircraft” in Iraqi airspace.
The Pentagon said responsibility for tackling remaining security challenges, including Islamic State cells and Iran-backed militias, now rested primarily with Iraqi forces. Washington would continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support.
Another Iran-aligned militia, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, hailed the withdrawal as an “achievement” and the result of Iraqi “sacrifices and resistance” in response to the foreign military presence.
