Baghdad, June 10 (SANA) Iraq remains committed to ending the military mission of the U.S.-led international coalition by the end of September, a government spokesman said, describing the move as part of broader efforts to strengthen state authority and national sovereignty.
Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, said the planned conclusion of the coalition’s mission is “not subject to postponement” and will be followed by a transition to bilateral security partnerships that respect Iraq’s sovereignty.
Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Numan said Baghdad is advancing a strategy aimed at consolidating security authority under state institutions and bringing all weapons under government control.
He said a high-level committee established by Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi has begun receiving weapons, equipment and military facilities in the Samarra area as part of efforts to integrate supporting forces and volunteer formations into Iraq‘s official security structures.
According to al-Numan, the process includes preserving the financial rights of fighters through formal state mechanisms.
The spokesman said the domestic security measures coincide with preparations for the end of the coalition’s military mission, which has supported Iraqi forces in operations against the Islamic State group and other security challenges.
Al-Numan also reiterated Iraq’s position that its territory should not be used to launch attacks against neighboring countries and said the government would not tolerate threats to national security or foreign interference in domestic affairs.
On Monday, Iraq’s Ministerial Council for National Security reaffirmed its rejection of the use of Iraqi territory or airspace for attacks against neighboring states and stressed the importance of safeguarding sovereignty, maintaining state control over weapons and holding accountable those who undermine security and stability.
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