BAGHDAD, Iraq: The United States led Global Coalition Forces will embark on pulling out from Ain Al Asad Airbase in Anbar Province next week, with a complete handover to the Iraqi Security Forces, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
Deputy Commander of the Iraqi Joint Operations, Lt Gen. Qais Al Muhammadawi, told the press that the base will be handed over to Iraq following the coalition’s withdrawal next week.
The deal to end the coalition’s mission had been finalised three months ago.
Currently, there are no coalition personnel inside the Joint Operations Command, with Ain Al Asad Airbase witnessing a full withdrawal and handover to Iraqi security forces, Al Muhammadawi highlighted.
He further noted that the Iraqi Government has moved to forge memoranda of understanding and international deals with the US, Britain, and France in lieu of the direct military presence, emphasising that securing the Iraqi desert has reached an advanced stage.
Al Muhammadawi unveiled the details of the security forces’ activities throughout 2025, indicating that 37 security operations had been conducted, alongside 93 airstrikes that knocked down strongholds of ISIS members.
A key ISIS leader had been taken out, along with a substantial number of ISIS leaders and members in the first and second ranks, Al Muhammadawi concluded.
Regarding the return of Iraqis from the sites of ISIS families at the Syrian Al Hol camp, Al Muhammadawi indicated that Iraq had received 2,954 families in 2025 comprising 10,781 individuals, in 15 batches bringing the total number of those who had been recovered from the camp over the past years to 21,343 individuals.
He added that in 2025, Iraq recovered 394 members wanted by the Iraqi judiciary on charges related to the Camp Speicher massacre carried out by ISIS militants, and for involvement in other operations targeting Iraqis. – BERNAMA-QNA
