ERBIL () — Iraq’s government is preparing for a major shift in its security landscape, with the international coalition’s mission set to formally end by the end of September, Turkish forces expected to withdraw from the Bashiqa military base, and Baghdad pressing armed groups to place their weapons under state control.
Lt. Gen. Abdul-Amir al-Shammari, director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, said Saturday that the international coalition headquarters would formally close at the end of the month and that no foreign combat forces or military bases would remain in Iraq afterward.
Speaking to Al-Hadath, al-Shammari said US forces would also complete their withdrawal, adding that Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC) had already been fully vacated by American troops.
The Iraqi commander said the country’s security forces are prepared to assume the responsibilities previously supported by coalition forces.
He said the Iraqi Air Force and aviation capabilities would help fill the operational gap following the coalition’s departure, adding that there was no cause for concern over Iraq’s security.
The end of the coalition mission is scheduled for Sept. 30, a date Iraqi officials have repeatedly identified as the transition point toward a new phase of security cooperation with international partners.
Earlier this month, al-Shammari said the date would mark the end of the coalition’s mission and the beginning of a new phase based on mutual interests and respect.
Turkish Forces to Leave Bashiqa
Al-Shammari also addressed the presence of Turkish forces in northern Iraq, saying negotiations were underway in Istanbul over the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the Bashiqa military base.
Under the agreement being discussed, he said, Turkish forces would leave the base within two months.
The development would mark another significant change in Iraq’s military landscape, as Baghdad seeks greater control over foreign military deployments on its territory.
Al-Shammari also said Iraqi forces had assumed full control of Mount Sinjar, although the security situation in the area remains a sensitive issue involving multiple local and regional actors.
Baghdad Presses Armed Groups on Weapons
On the issue of armed groups operating outside direct state control, al-Shammari said three groups had formally handed over their drone and missile weapons to the Iraqi government.
He said intensive discussions were also taking place between other armed groups and political leaders over arrangements to incorporate them within the Popular Mobilization Forces.
Al-Shammari warned that after the end of September there would be no justification for possessing weapons outside the framework of Iraqi law and state authority.
The issue has become increasingly prominent as Baghdad approaches the Sept. 30 deadline for the end of the coalition mission and seeks to consolidate control over weapons and armed formations.
Iraqi officials have previously said the transition is intended to strengthen the authority of state institutions over security matters.
Iraq Seeks Stronger Border Control
Al-Shammari said Baghdad rejects the use of Iraqi territory as a launching point for attacks against neighboring countries.
He said security coordination with regional countries was continuing at a high level, particularly between Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait.
He also said the government was examining the establishment of border guard positions along Iraq’s frontier with Türkiye, while acknowledging that the mountainous and difficult terrain along the Iraq-Iran border would require intensive efforts to establish full control.
The Iraqi government has also been strengthening coordination with the Kurdistan Region on border security and military matters. Earlier this month, senior federal and Peshmerga commanders met in Baghdad to discuss border protection, intelligence sharing, joint training, and coordination between their forces.
The developments come as Baghdad prepares for a security environment in which Iraqi forces are expected to assume greater responsibility following the departure of coalition combat forces, while the government simultaneously seeks to address foreign military deployments, armed groups, and security along the country’s borders.
