BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced that the Islamic State (IS) no longer poses a threat to Iraq. The statement came during discussions with U.S. military leaders about winding down the international coalition’s mission against IS.
According to Philippines News Agency, al-Sudani made these remarks in a meeting with Major General Kevin C. Leahy, commander of the US-led coalition, and Alina L. Romanowski, the American ambassador to Iraq. The discussion also focused on transitioning the coalition’s efforts to bilateral relations and continuing cooperation in training and intelligence sharing with Iraqi forces. The remnants of IS have been relegated to small groups, which are actively pursued by Iraqi security in remote areas.
On January 25, the Iraqi foreign ministry confirmed the creation of the High-Level Military Committee with the United States to manage the cessation of the international coalition’s operations in Iraq. Future collaborations will expand to encompass political, economic, cultural, security, and military engagements with coalition member states.