By Anas al-Bar | 2026-10-14

After twelve years of grueling struggle against the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS), Iraq has successfully dismantled the terrorists' grip on its cities.

Iraqi security forces, having demonstrated unparalleled courage and determination, now independently hunt the remnants of this defeated terrorist group.

The US-led International Coalition has successfully concluded its mission, having provided critical support to Iraq’s professional and capable military forces.

Baghdad is now building upon these hard-won achievements to foster long-term partnerships that ensure future stability and regional security.

This new era focuses on protecting vital national interests while establishing a robust, independent framework for Iraq’s foreign affairs.

The state is fully committed to confronting any armed groups operating outside the law or defying the constitutional national framework.

Ending era of rogue militias

During the "Sovereignty Day" ceremony on September 30, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared that safeguarding the nation is a sacred priority for his administration.

"The era of true sovereignty is protected only by the state and guaranteed by our national law," he emphasized.

He clarified that ending the Coalition’s mission does not signal the end of the fight against persistent terrorist threats.

Instead, it marks a historic transition where Iraq assumes total, unshared responsibility for its internal security and lasting stability.

"Power rests solely with the state; there shall be no weapons outside the legal framework or independent institutions," al-Zaidi said.

Baghdad is actively curbing Iran-linked factions that have historically conducted hostile, destabilizing actions against Iraq and its many neighbors.

Researcher Raad al-Dulaimi told Al-Fassel that the era of militias is over, as official state institutions now hold total security responsibility.

"No shadowy faction has the right to undermine national legitimacy or harm our country to serve a foreign agenda," he warned.

Militias face growing public rejection

Observers argue that Iranian proxies pose a threat comparable to ISIS and must be treated as enemies of the state.

Even as the government implements a clear roadmap to consolidate all arms by June of next year, allied groups continue their defiant posture.

This escalatory stance only deepens their societal isolation, as Iraqis increasingly reject their claims of legitimacy.

The public understands that these militias retain weapons solely to protect their own corrupt influence rather than serving the nation.

With their political masks firmly stripped away, these rogue entities now face the full weight of a resolute, sovereign Iraqi state.