The British Ministry of Defense commented on the agreement on scheduling the withdrawal of the international coalition from Iraq, noting the work to develop bilateral relations and move to a new security partnership with Iraq.
The Ministry stated in a statement: “The United Kingdom will continue to support Iraq’s security, as the international coalition enters a new phase, and the United Kingdom will work closely with our Iraqi partners to develop a sustainable bilateral relationship over the coming months, as part of the transition to a new security and defense partnership with Iraq.”
It added: “Operation Inherent Resolve was established in 2014 to provide advice, assistance and enable partner forces to achieve the permanent defeat of ISIS and establish sustainable security cooperation. This mission operates under the umbrella of the international coalition against ISIS, which includes 87 partners (82 governments and five member organizations).”
It continued: “Over the past decade, the United Kingdom has
played a leading role through Operation Shader, the UK’s contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve, and at the invitation of the Iraqi government, British forces have provided valuable support, training and assistance to more than 111,000 members of the Iraqi security forces, including more than 21,000 Kurdish Peshmerga forces, in basic infantry skills, weapons maintenance, counter-IED, medical and engineering skills.”
It pointed out that “the Royal Air Force has carried out more than 10,000 sorties, striking more than 1,400 targets, in addition to providing accurate surveillance and reconnaissance to support Iraqi forces’ operations on the ground, and we commend the professionalism of British cadres who played their role in the international coalition.”
It explained: “Thanks to the courage and effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces and the Peshmerga forces, and the continued commitment of the coalition, ISIS has been defeated territorially in Iraq. The Iraqi Security Forces have been able to restore b
asic services to communities and rehabilitate areas affected by the conflict. With these basic objectives achieved, the process of transition to new security arrangements under Iraqi leadership can begin.” She pointed out that “working alongside our partners in the international coalition, the United Kingdom remains committed to ensuring the global defeat of ISIS and its violent ideology. Our commitment to the security of Iraq and the wider region remains steadfast, and we will seek to develop a bilateral relationship that supports long-term stability in Iraq.”
Source: National Iraqi News Agency
