Iraq says coalition withdrawal completion will mark strategic turning point

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Ministry coordination spokesman and Chief of Staff spokesman Sabah al-Numan said Wednesday that September 30 will represent a strategic turning point in Iraq's security and political history, as coalition forces are scheduled to fully withdraw by that date. Speaking to the state news agency, al-Numan said the planned withdrawal of coalition forces will be completed on September 30, and that the readiness of the Iraqi army and security institutions will be formally confirmed once the process concludes. Al-Numan described the withdrawal as a diplomatic step as much as a military one, saying Baghdad would open a new page in its relations with foreign partners. He added that Iraq has demonstrated its capacity to manage its national security file independently, and that the departure of the coalition will begin a new phase in the country's security landscape. No further details on the withdrawal timeline or the arrangements with international partners were immediately available.