The U.S.-led military coalition is preparing to withdraw its forces from Iraq’s Kurdistan region, transferring bases to Iraqi forces before a September 30 deadline. This move marks a significant step towards Baghdad’s stated goal of full national sovereignty over its security matters. Government spokesman Haider Al Aboudi confirmed the ongoing coordination with the international coalition, detailing the inventory and handover process.
“Co-ordination is ongoing with the international coalition and work is under way to inventory the sites and hand them over to the competent Iraqi forces,” Al Aboudi stated. He added that the work proceeds at an organized pace, ensuring completion by September 30, after which the sites will be in the custody of Iraqi security agencies. This withdrawal aligns with an agreement reached by Baghdad and Washington in the third year, which aimed to transform the U.S.-led coalition’s mission from combat and advisory roles to bilateral security co-operation.
Reclaiming National Control
The Kurdistan region has hosted several key coalition sites, utilized for training, logistics, and air operations against ISIS remnants. Local officials recently observed “unusual movement” of U.S. forces, including convoys and equipment transfers in Erbil earlier this month, signaling the impending departure. Mr. Al Aboudi emphasized that planning is underway at the highest military level, with coordination teams from both sides meeting regularly to ensure a smooth process without disruption. The Iraqi government has not specified the exact number of sites being transferred or the personnel leaving, nor has the Pentagon publicly detailed its withdrawal plan for the Kurdistan Region.
U.S. officials have previously indicated that any transition would occur “in co-ordination with the Iraqi government” and would not create gaps in the fight against ISIS. However, Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi’s government frames this transition as a crucial step toward Iraq’s full sovereignty over its own security. While the U.S. presence is ending, cooperation with the U.S. and other coalition partners is expected to continue in areas like air defense, intelligence, and counter-terrorism, reflecting a shift in the nature of the relationship.
Transitioning Security Responsibilities
Security analysts highlight the operational and political weight of this handover. Iraqi forces will now assume direct responsibility for bases previously used by coalition trainers. This development also addresses long-standing demands from various factions within the Iraqi parliament for a clear timeline regarding the end of the foreign coalition’s presence. The assertion of national control over these strategic sites is a core element of Iraq’s post-occupation trajectory.
Internal Security Challenges
Concurrently, the Iraqi government has imposed a September 30 deadline for the disarmament of Iran-backed militias. Mr. Al Aboudi described the process of bringing their weapons under state control as “complex.” He affirmed that “dialogue is ongoing and under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister.” The government has garnered significant support from Iraq’s leading political force, which issued a strong warning to militias: failure to comply with the September 30 deadline will result in terrorism charges. This warning followed a late Wednesday meeting of the State Administration Coalition, comprising top Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish political parties that form the government.
Mr. Al Aboudi acknowledged “concerns and reservations” about the overall process. Yet, he maintained that the government is proceeding deliberately, “in an organised manner and with measured steps until we reach September 30.” He concluded with a clear statement on Iraq’s future security posture: “After September 30, the final word will be with Iraqi law and the constitution. The state will be the one holding the force.”