Iraq says US-led coalition withdrawal on track for September 30

Iraq says preparations for the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition and efforts to bring weapons under state control are progressing smoothly, with September 30 set as the deadline for both measures.

Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi told state media that the coalition’s mission would completely end on Iraqi territory by September 30, describing the withdrawal as an important step towards strengthening national sovereignty, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The US-led coalition was established in Iraq in 2014 at the request of Baghdad to help fight Islamic State (ISIS). Under an agreement between Iraq and the United States, its withdrawal from Iraqi territory is due to be completed by the end of September.

The government is also seeking to restrict weapons to state forces, with armed groups outside state control expected to hand over their weapons by the same deadline.

Aboudi said the issue was among the government’s main priorities and described the move as a return to constitutional principles and state authority.

Several armed factions have reportedly agreed to disarm, while others, including Kataib Hezbollah, have rejected the prospect of giving up their weapons.

The government is also pursuing an anti-corruption campaign. Authorities conducted a major operation in Baghdad’s Green Zone in June that resulted in the arrest of several senior officials.

Aboudi said the campaign was continuing through what he described as practical measures. Iraqi authorities have also seized more than $125 million and 380 kilograms of gold and jewellery in a corruption investigation involving detained Oil Ministry official Adnan al-Jumaili.

By Aghakazim Guliyev