Following the coalition’s withdrawal, Iraq prepares to commemorate “Sovereignty Day”.
Following the coalition’s withdrawal, Iraq prepares to commemorate “Sovereignty Day”.
2026-09-23
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi directed all ministries, non-ministerial entities, and governorates to take the necessary measures, in coordination with the government media cell, regarding the celebration of “Iraqi Sovereignty Day”.
The directive, according to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, included holding a vigil in governmental and public institutions to commemorate the martyrs and victims of Iraq, as part of the celebration of Iraqi Sovereignty Day, in addition to wearing a badge on the chest representing National Sovereignty Day, such as a map of Iraq or a map of Iraq in the colors of the Iraqi flag or any other design.
He also directed all governorates to promote the official and popular local celebration of Sovereignty Day through all local government departments and institutions, as well as instructing relevant authorities to take appropriate measures on the subject through popular programs and activities.
The Cabinet Affairs and Committees Department at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers stated that the directive was issued in light of the approaching date of the celebration of Iraqi Sovereignty Day, corresponding to October 1, 2026.
The celebration of Iraqi Sovereignty Day coincides with the end of the international coalition’s military presence in Iraq, scheduled for September 30, 2026.
Iraq and the United States had agreed in September 2024 to end the military mission of the international coalition led by Washington against the “Islamic State” organization in Iraq, as part of a phased plan to move the security relationship between the two countries from the framework of the coalition to a bilateral partnership.
The first phase of the mission ended in September 2025, while forces remained in the Kurdistan Region to support operations against the organization in Syria, with the final phase to be completed by the end of September 2026.
The international coalition was formed in 2014 to assist Iraqi forces in confronting ISIS, which at the time controlled large areas of Iraq and Syria. The mission of the coalition forces later shifted primarily to training, advising, and intelligence support, while Baghdad asserts that its forces are now capable of assuming responsibility for security and pursuing the organization’s cells.
shafaq.com
