Iraq postpones announcement on end date for US-led coalition mission due to ‘latest developments’

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that an expected statement regarding the end date for the US-led coalition’s mission in the country has been delayed. The Ministry attributed the postponement to unspecified “latest developments”, but did not provide further details, Reuters reports.

According to the report, the announcement was anticipated to mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to conclude the coalition’s military presence in Iraq, a mission that began in 2014 to combat the rise of Daesh. The US-Iraq Higher Military Commission, which includes officials from both nations, has been in discussions concerning the withdrawal of coalition advisers from Iraqi military sites.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s statement, the primary issues still under negotiation are the timing of the official announcement, as well as logistical considerations and other unspecified details. Despite the postponement, the Ministry’s statement suggests that these remaining matters are the final steps before an agreement can be reached.

The US-led coalition’s mission has been a subject of debate within Iraq, with calls from various factions within the country for a definitive end to foreign military presence. The postponement of the announcement indicates that, while progress has been made, the conclusion of the coalition’s mission may still face hurdles before a formal end date can be set.

Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

READ: Activists prepare to defy Israel naval blockade of Gaza