At a Glance

• KDP President Masoud Barzani marked the end of the International Coalition's military mission.
• Barzani thanked the international forces for their immense efforts and structural hard work in defeating ISIS.
• He reassured the public that excellent defense coordination continues with the Iraqi federal government to counter threats.
• Barzani highlighted that the Kurdistan Peshmerga force is deeply rooted in the region's liberation history and will endure forever.

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani marked the official conclusion of the Coalition's military mission by reassuring citizens that excellent coordination remains with the federal government to counter any threat, while expressing gratitude to Coalition forces for defeating ISIS and restoring stability.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• KDP President Masoud Barzani stated, “It is appropriate here to thank the Coalition forces for their efforts and hard work; their role in defeating ISIS and restoring stability to Iraq deserves great appreciation and respect.”
• “Any individual or group harboring illusions of becoming a threat and harming the stability of the Kurdistan Region should know that there are more than enough Peshmerga, heroes, and individuals willing to sacrifice their lives for the country in Kurdistan to defend the people and land of Kurdistan and to crush every threat and aggression,” he stressed.

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Masoud Barzani stated on Wednesday that the International Coalition provided vital support to both Iraqi and Peshmerga forces in combating terrorism and restoring regional stability.

“During their presence, the Coalition forces provided extensive assistance to the Iraqi forces and the Peshmerga forces, even making significant sacrifices,” he emphasized.

Barzani noted that following the conclusion of the military mission, the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi government must now focus on building "bilateral agreements with Coalition nations" to maintain long-term stability.

“We also send our salutations to the pure souls of all the fallen martyrs of the Peshmerga, the Iraqi forces, and the Coalition forces, and their memory will always be held high,” he added.

Addressing the concerns following the Coalition’s departure, Barzani assured the public that the Kurdistan Region maintains strong security coordination with Baghdad "to counter any form of threat or danger, whether that threat comes under the name of ISIS or any other name."

Barzani highlighted that the Kurdistan Peshmerga force remains deeply rooted in the history of the region's liberation struggle and will endure forever as a product of the blood of martyrs and the tears of their mothers.

“In full coordination with the Federal Iraqi forces, the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces stand ready to defend, protect the stability of the country, and eliminate all types of threats and dangers,” he added.

FYI

The official conclusion of the U.S.-led International Coalition military mission in Iraq marks the end of a carefully planned, multi-phased strategic shift.

The Global Coalition initially launched Operation Inherent Resolve at Baghdad's invitation in 2014 after ISIS captured nearly a third of Iraqi territory. 

Although the physical caliphate was dismantled, international troops remained in the country for nearly a decade to advise, train, and assist state forces in suppressing scattered sleeper cells hidden across rugged border regions. 

This longtime wartime Coalition has now transitioned into a standard, one-on-one state defense relationship between Washington and Baghdad under a formal agreement finalized in September 2024.

Throughout this entire campaign, the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga served as a vital frontline alliance for the coalition, enduring heavy combat to halt the initial ISIS offensive. 

As the withdrawal phase began last year, the Coalition systematically handed back major federal installations like Ain al-Asad Air Base and consolidated its remaining resources inside the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region. 

Erbil International Airport quickly became the final operational and technical launchpad for the anti-ISIS task force, housing the remaining 1,500 advisory and training troops until their ultimate departure. 

Despite the successful exit, Kurdish officials have voiced clear security anxieties regarding regional missile and drone threats, prompting renewed calls to strengthen local air defense capabilities and expand separate bilateral security treaties with individual Western allies.

Speaking to reporters today, including Channel8, Kurdistan Region Presidential Diwan Chief Fawzi Hariri underlined the necessity of Erbil–Baghdad coordination to secure anti-drone systems and federal defense allocations following the International Coalition's departure.

Meanwhile, Kurdistan Regional Government PM Masrour Barzani stated that the end of the Coalition mission is not the end of relations, adding that security risks persist and that the Peshmerga remains ready to face any threats.

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