By Anas al-Bar | 2026-09-16

Iraqi forces are now finalizing preparations to independently manage security operations as the International Coalition's mission nears its scheduled conclusion.

The coalition's combat mission in Iraq is slated to conclude officially on September 30, marking a significant strategic shift.

This transition signals a pivotal phase toward Iraq becoming fully self-reliant, effectively asserting sovereign control over its military infrastructure and airspace.

Elite units, particularly the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), will spearhead these efforts against remaining ISIS cells, leveraging years of specialized combat training.

Having received extensive guidance from coalition advisors, these forces now possess the necessary expertise to protect the nation without external military support.

Comprehensive security strategy in action

Authorities have affirmed that special operations personnel are fully prepared to execute complex security missions with high professionalism and precision.

Their critical responsibilities include conducting persistent, rigorous searches for terrorists hiding within remote desert terrain and dense urban environments alike.

These units will carry out intensive operations to dismantle clandestine hideouts, disrupt sleeper cells and sever illicit funding networks.

By strengthening intelligence capabilities, Iraqi forces will now rely heavily on direct citizen reports to preemptively identify and neutralize emerging threats.

Partnership evolves beyond military scope

This evolution redefines the future of diplomatic relations between Iraq and the United States in the post-combat era.

The transition ushers in a multifaceted bilateral partnership grounded in a new, comprehensive framework of ongoing coordination and mutual cooperation.

Security expert Safaa al-Aasam noted that this partnership extends far beyond developing Iraq’s military infrastructure, weaponry, training and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

"It now encompasses vital assistance in supporting economic, educational and cultural exchange sectors to consolidate lasting national stability," he told Al-Fassel.

Al-Aasam expressed strong confidence in Iraq’s ability to efficiently manage security, maintaining operational momentum against threats posed by terrorist remnants.

"We possess specialized agencies and military units trained to execute the most complex and dangerous security missions," he stated.

These units have independently planned and executed countless operations, ensuring no security vacuum emerges for "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) to exploit.

Unifying public and state security

Preserving hard-won security gains requires sustained cooperation and mutual trust between Iraqi citizens and their dedicated national security forces.

"Any information, no matter how small, can help infiltrate terrorist groups and uncover their most complex, dangerous plans," al-Aasam said.

Beyond terrorism, the state faces the challenge of rogue factions holding illegal weapons, which threatens the country's sovereignty and stability.

Authorities remain determined to uphold the rule of law, treating such armed groups as entities operating outside the state's legitimate control.

The government will not tolerate any infringement upon its institutions, ensuring that social peace and national sovereignty remain protected for all.