BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced Dec. 29 the end of the international coalition forces’ military mission and their exit from Iraq after nearly seven years of fighting against the Islamic State.
Kadhimi confirmed in a tweet that the international coalition’s role has become restricted to advising and assisting the Iraqi army and support according to the strategic dialogue. He thanked the countries and the coalition’s leaderships, Iraq’s neighboring countries and partners in the fight against IS, stressing the Iraqi forces’ readiness to defend the people.