A major chapter in the international military campaign against the Islamic State group in Iraq has reached a turning point, with the United States-led coalition completing its long-running combat mission in the country.

The transition marks the end of more than two decades of extensive American military involvement in Iraq. It also represents a significant change in the way the United States and its international partners are expected to support Iraq’s security forces.

Iraq Takes Greater Responsibility

Under the new arrangement, Iraqi security forces are expected to assume greater responsibility for confronting remaining threats from extremist groups.

The Iraqi military and security services have expanded their capabilities considerably since the Islamic State seized large areas of the country in 2014. Iraqi forces, supported by international partners, subsequently conducted major operations that resulted in the loss of territory previously controlled by the group.

Although Islamic State no longer controls the vast territory it once held, its networks have continued to pose a security challenge in parts of Iraq.

End of a Long Military Presence

The conclusion of the coalition’s mission represents an important shift in America’s military relationship with Iraq.

U.S. forces first invaded Iraq in 2003, beginning a prolonged period of military operations and political change. American combat forces were withdrawn in 2011, but returned several years later after the rapid territorial expansion of Islamic State created a new regional security crisis.

The international coalition subsequently worked with Iraqi forces to defeat the group’s territorial control.

Future Cooperation

The end of the coalition’s combat mission does not necessarily mean the complete end of security cooperation between Iraq and Western countries.

Future assistance is expected to focus more heavily on training, institutional support, intelligence cooperation and other forms of security assistance. The precise nature of international involvement will depend on agreements between the Iraqi government and its foreign partners.

Iraq has increasingly emphasized its ability to manage domestic security challenges independently while maintaining international relationships.

Regional Significance

The military transition also has wider implications for the Middle East.

The departure of coalition forces changes the security balance in a country that has long been a major point of competition between the United States and Iran. Both Washington and Tehran have maintained significant political and security interests in Iraq.

The development could therefore influence broader regional calculations involving Iraq, Iran, the United States and other neighboring states.

Remaining Security Challenges

Despite the territorial defeat of Islamic State, security officials continue to monitor extremist networks and potential attacks.

The group has shifted from controlling cities and large territories toward smaller clandestine operations. Preventing a resurgence will depend on intelligence capabilities, border security, local governance and the ability of Iraqi institutions to address security threats.

The completion of the coalition’s military mission therefore represents a transition rather than the end of Iraq’s security challenges. The coming period will test the capacity of Iraqi forces to maintain security while managing a more independent national defense role.