US-led coalition wraps up Iraq mission, sparks sovereignty celebrations

The US-led coalition, which entered Iraq and Syria in 2014 to combat the Islamic State, is concluding its deployment, with the final contingent set to leave the autonomous Kurdistan region on Wednesday. The drawdown, agreed between Baghdad and Washington in 2024, follows the defeat of IS in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, after which forces remained to target remaining militants. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared that October 1, the day after the exit, will be celebrated as Sovereignty Day, emphasizing the completion of Iraq’s path toward full state authority.

Iraqi leaders argue the pullout eliminates the excuse used by Iran-aligned factions to retain weapons beyond state oversight. However, powerful groups such as Kataeb Hezbollah have warned the government, demanding an end to perceived U.S. political and economic interference while insisting on a weapons-hand-over timetable.