(Adnkronos) – The United States and Coalition partners formally concluded Operation ‘Inherent Resolve’ in Iraq today. Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell announced this, explaining in a note that the orderly withdrawal of forces and equipment from Erbil airbase marks the end of the military mission.
According to Washington, the 12-year campaign led to the “defeat of ISIS as an organized military threat” in Iraq and the region. The conclusion of the operation marks the transition to a phase where the country’s security will be led by Iraqi forces, with the support of the United States through targeted training and intelligence activities.
“The primary responsibility for addressing Iraq’s remaining security challenges now rests with the Iraqi government,” Parnell stated, citing among these the remnants of ISIS and Iran-aligned militias, accused by Washington of undermining Iraqi sovereignty and regional stability. The United States, the spokesman added, will continue to cooperate with Baghdad and regional partners in the fight against terrorism to prevent ISIS from reconstituting itself from Iraqi territory.
