(Photo: PM Al-Sudani's media office)
Monitor
Iraqi PM: terrorists ‘no longer have a foothold’ near populated areas
BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Sunday with Maj. Gen. Kevin Leahy, commander Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Rubinstein to discuss regional security and joint operations against the militant group, according to a statement from the prime minister’s media office.
“During the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s commitment to eradicating terrorist cells, emphasizing that these groups no longer have a foothold or proximity to populated areas,” the statement read.
A joint statement released by Washington DC and Baghdad on Sept. 28, 2024, announced that the U.S.-led coalition’s mission against ISIS in Iraq will conclude by the end of 2025. Formed in 2014, the coalition includes forces from several nations, such as the United Kingdom and France, and was created to eliminate ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Sunday, the Commander of the International Coalition Forces Against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, Major General Kevin Leahy, in the presence of the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Iraq, Mr. Daniel Rubinstein.
The meeting reviewed the overall security situation in the region and the ongoing cooperation between Iraqi security forces and Coalition advisors in pursuing the remnants of ISIS terrorist groups.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s commitment to eradicating terrorist cells, emphasizing that these groups no longer have a foothold or proximity to populated areas. He highlighted the significant progress made over the past two years in securing Iraq’s borders and enhancing both field and technical measures in areas previously exploited as entry points for terrorist groups.
The discussions reaffirmed the Coalition’s commitments to Iraq and the continuation of joint programs. The meeting also addressed the levels of capability and control achieved by the Iraqi Armed Forces across all branches, particularly their advanced intelligence and preemptive capabilities, which support all security deployments and enhance the ability to counter any cross-border criminal or terrorist activity.