Iraq announces full withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces

Iraq announced on Sunday the full withdrawal of international coalition advisors from all military bases and command centers in Iraq's federal government-controlled areas.



The Higher Military Commission, tasked with ending the international coalition mission, said that the few remaining advisors have departed from Iraq's Ayn al-Asad Airbase and the Joint Operations Command headquarters, placing these strategic sites under the full control of the Iraqi security forces.



The first phase of the international coalition's military mission to combat the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq's federal territories has concluded, and Iraq has now transitioned to a bilateral security relationship with the United States.



The second phase of the international coalition's mission to combat the IS in Syria has begun, and coordination with the coalition will continue regarding the complete defeat of the IS in Syria.



On Saturday, the Iraqi Defense Ministry said the Iraqi army has taken full control of Ayn al-Asad Airbase, the country's second-largest military airbase, in the western province of Anbar following the withdrawal of U.S. troops.