ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Pentagon on Wednesday announced the conclusion of its Operation Inherent Resolve as it pulled out the last of its military equipment and personnel from the Erbil Air Base, saying they would continue providing assistance to Iraq as it takes over security. “The orderly departure of Coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base marks the successful conclusion of the military mission that defeated ISIS in Iraq,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Wednesday. The “successful” conclusion of the 12-year campaign established in 2014 amid an Islamic State (ISIS) threat rampaging through Iraq “marks a transition from a wartime coalition mission to an Iraqi-led security effort”, said Parnell. “We expect the Iraqi Security Forces, including the Peshmerga and other security forces in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, to lead the continuing effort to secure Iraq and keep ISIS remnants suppressed. The Department of War will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to our Iraqi partner, added the Pentagon. The US-led Coalition’s withdrawal is pursuant to a 2024 US-Iraq joint statement. This is the second such withdrawal, following an earlier 2011 withdrawal that many believe resulted in insecurity and stability. The Iraqi government is also working through a phased process to disarm many Iran-aligned militant groups, who have said the US withdrawal must come first before they decide to lay down arms. “The primary responsibility for addressing Iraq's remaining security challenges, including ISIS remnants and Iran-aligned militias that undermine Iraqi sovereignty and regional stability, now rests with the Government of Iraq,” Pentagon added. The US is committed to Iraq and other partners to make certain ISIS doesn’t resurge in Iraq, said the Pentagon. Iraq has declared a 4-day holiday that starts from September 30. It is also set to hold a “sovereignty conference”. The country’s government and security agencies have reiterated that they are capable of maintaining security and ensuring ISIS doesn’t reappear.
