Iraq says coalition mission will end on September 30 as weapons integrated under state authority

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The spokesman for Iraq's armed forces said the international coalition's mission in the country will end on September 30, with the withdrawal continuing according to the established schedule. Major General Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Armed Forces, said the timeline is being coordinated by a high-level committee overseeing security and technical matters, and that the pullout has been accelerated within the planned framework. Al-Numan said full sovereignty will be consolidated once the coalition's withdrawal is complete. He added that Iraq will then move to bilateral relations with various countries, including joint security and intelligence cooperation. On domestic security, the spokesman stressed that efforts to bring weapons under official state structures are continuing with resolve. He said arms defending the country must fall under the legal and judicial authority, and that coordination between ministries and intelligence agencies will be increased in line with the directives of the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff. The statement said field and structural plans are being implemented to maintain security and stability during the transition period.