by Anas al-Bar | 2025-09-19

The efficiency of Iraq’s security forces is steadily improving, and their ability to secure the country independently continues to grow.

Recent victories against the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) have boosted the confidence of these forces, giving them greater determination to eradicate terrorism.

These gains also reinforce the long-term partnership between the United States and Iraq, now focused on providing advisory support and strengthening Iraq’s independent security structure.

Securing difficult terrain

On September 5, Iraqi forces announced they had taken full control of the Horan Valley in western Iraq -- a milestone highlighting their readiness to handle complex and demanding missions.

According to officials, this achievement is significant, as the valley is the largest in Iraq, stretching 370 kilometers from north of Lake Tharthar to the Saudi border.

"Fully controlling such a vast desert area that was once the safest haven for terrorists is clear evidence of the development of our forces’ capabilities," Maj. Gen. Tahseen al-Khafaji, media director at Iraq’s Ministry of Defense, told Al-Fassel.

"Our forces are now capable of fully securing hazardous geographical zones to support the country’s stability and territorial integrity and prevent terrorist threats," he added.

"We have reached areas deep into the valley and established the ‘Heroes of Horan’ defensive line, which includes defense positions to monitor terrorists’ infiltration attempts from the western borders and counter any incursions or hiding attempts," he said.

"All of our cities now live in security thanks to the progress made by our forces against ISIS remnants," al-Khafaji said.

Enduring US-Iraq cooperation

Over the years, the US-led international coalition has played a critical role in supporting Iraqi forces, helping them reclaim territory from ISIS and rebuild their military strength.

That mission is now ending. The coalition will conclude its combat role in September, marking a transition to a new phase of the US-Iraqi security partnership centered on preventing ISIS from regaining momentum.

"Under last year’s agreement between Washington and Baghdad, the coalition’s mission will officially end by the end of September," said strategic analyst Tariq al-Shammari.

"It will evolve into an advanced stage of joint efforts involving strategic relations and enduring cooperation to combat any renewed ISIS activity," he said.

Support will now take the form of "a larger US advisory role, as well as continued training and enhanced specialized capabilities to lead counterterrorism operations more effectively," al-Shammari added.

"The bilateral cooperation strategy also boosts intelligence cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and targeting ISIS funding networks and recruitment activities," he said.

"This security and military partnership supports the Iraqi forces as a sovereign and independent security institution," al-Shammari said.