The commander of the international coalition in Iraq, General Kevin Lambert, confirmed today, Wednesday, the completion of the coalition's mission in Iraq, noting that the time has come for Iraq to take the initiative.
Lambert said in a speech during the official ceremony held by the office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in the capital, Baghdad, on the occasion of Sovereignty Day, September 30, 2026, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi, as reported by the News Video Agency, "This historic moment witnesses the restoration of a nation to its destiny; today Iraq has chosen its sovereignty," adding that "the land of Iraq is blessed, having witnessed the path of human civilization; it is the land of the two rivers and the home of the first forms of written communication through cuneiform and the first examples of codified laws in the Code of Hammurabi."
He added, "For 12 years, Iraqi forces and coalition forces have borne the burdens of tremendous sacrifices in the most difficult circumstances, and thanks to the courage of everyone, the mission has been accomplished," noting the "completion of the organized withdrawal of the coalition from Erbil, which was the last base for the coalition in Iraq, as the mission of the coalition has been successfully completed."
He stressed, "As we move into the transition phase, it is essential that we remain vigilant, cautious, and serious. Iraq cannot ignore any threat, whether large or small, within its borders if it threatens security, sovereignty, and its position in the regional and international spheres," pointing out that "the time has come for Iraq to take the initiative and for this transitional phase to begin the efforts being made by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi to control the weapons."
He mentioned, "The United States and the international coalition are keeping their promises, and we will continue to support Iraq as an important member of the international coalition," adding that "the security relationship between the coalition armies is moving to new bilateral frameworks."
He stated that "the coalition will continue to support the Government of Iraq and its people in their journey toward a brighter future," clarifying that "the road to the future is a path of a strong, secure nation that enjoys sovereignty."