United States: The Coalition's Work in Iraq Will Take Time to Conclude

The U.S. ambassador to Baghdad, Alina Romanowski, stated that "ISIS" still poses a threat in Iraq, adding that the work of the coalition led by Washington to completely defeat the organization is not finished yet. Romanowski said, "We both appreciate that ISIS still represents a threat here. Although it has significantly declined, we have not fundamentally completed our work, and we want to ensure that Iraqi forces can continue to defeat ISIS." She added that "ISIS is a common terrorist enemy that must be defeated everywhere." She further stated, "This is why the United States and Iraq share a commitment to ensure the permanent defeat of ISIS through various means, including working together to shape the future of a strong bilateral security partnership between the United States and Iraq." Romanowski noted that "the coalition's work will take some time to conclude," referring to talks between Washington and Baghdad that began in January regarding the end of the military coalition's presence in the country. Senior Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, have repeatedly stated that the organization no longer poses a threat in Iraq and that there is no longer a need for the coalition, even as members of the organization continue to carry out attacks elsewhere. Additionally, the Iraqi Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on April 15 to discuss various issues, including the future of the coalition.