Barzani: The end of the coalition’s mission opens the door to bilateral agreements, and Kurdistan is not vulnerable to disappearance.
Barzani: The end of the coalition’s mission opens the door to bilateral agreements, and Kurdistan is not vulnerable to disappearance.
2026-09-30
Shafaq News – Erbil
Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani reassured the people of Kurdistan on Wednesday that there is close security coordination with the federal government to counter any risks and threats that may arise after the withdrawal of the international coalition against ISIS in Iraq.
In an official statement marking the end of the coalition’s mission in Iraq, Barzani said that the coalition forces supported the Iraqi forces and the Peshmerga forces in the war against terrorism, as well as in restoring and consolidating stability in Iraq. He indicated that after the end of its mission, it remains the responsibility of the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region in the future to conclude bilateral agreements with the coalition countries according to the available circumstances and in a way that serves to maintain stability.
He expressed his gratitude to the coalition forces for their efforts and dedication, adding that their role in defeating ISIS and restoring stability to Iraq is greatly appreciated and respected.
Regarding the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdish leader said, “Many, driven by concern, and others by malice, hatred, or inaccurate interpretations, believe that the departure of the coalition forces will leave the region vulnerable to threats or even annihilation.” He added, “Therefore, I would like to reassure the dear people of Kurdistan that there is very good coordination with the Iraqi federal government to confront any kind of threats or dangers, whether under the name of ISIS or any other name.”
He continued, saying, “I also say to any party or entity that imagines it is capable of threatening the stability of the Kurdistan Region or harming it, that it must be fully aware that Kurdistan has a sufficient number of Peshmerga forces, heroes, and patriots ready to defend the people of Kurdistan and its land, and to thwart any threat or aggression.”
Masoud Barzani concluded his statement by saying that “the Peshmerga forces of Kurdistan, rooted in the history of the Kurdish people’s liberation struggle, and stemming from the blood of martyrs and the tears of their mothers, will always be present and enduring,” stressing that “the Peshmerga forces of Kurdistan, in full coordination with the Iraqi federal forces, are fully prepared to defend and preserve the stability of the country and prevent all forms of threats and dangers.”
This stance coincides with the announcement by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi that the international coalition’s mission in Iraq has officially ended, expressing his gratitude to the coalition countries for their support of the security forces during the fight against terrorism.
For its part, the US Department of Defense, the Pentagon, announced that the United States and its partners in the international coalition have officially concluded Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq.
In contrast, the international coalition against ISIS in Iraq confirmed that there is no justification for the continued presence of armed groups in light of its withdrawal from the country.
shafaq.com
