Iraq forms military-security commission to reshape ties with US after coalition mission ends

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister and Chief of Staff Ali Falih al-Zeydi has ordered the creation of a technical military and security commission to define the shape of Iraq's military and security relations with the United States after the international coalition's mission ends in late September, the Iraqi military's chief spokesperson said on Tuesday. Spokesperson Sabah al-Numan said al-Zeydi's visit to the United States produced results exceeding expectations, noting that the prime minister's meeting with US Defense Secretary followed a meeting with President Donald Trump, who reaffirmed Washington's commitment to supporting Iraq. Al-Numan added that Trump's backing has translated into instructions to the US Defense Department to provide support to Iraq's security system. According to al-Numan, the coalition has supplied training and weapons in the campaign against ISIS, while field operations have been carried out by Iraqi security forces. The decision to conclude the coalition mission on September 30 followed assessments by military and security commissions on the capabilities of Iraq's security forces, he said. Al-Numan also said the departure of the coalition would remove the justification some armed groups have cited for carrying weapons, adding that Iraqi forces are sufficient to safeguard the country's sovereignty. No further details on the commission's timeline or mandate were immediately available.