Moscow:Russia has expressed approval of the withdrawal of the last US forces from Iraq, signaling the end of over two decades of US military presence in the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that this move fulfills a decision made by the Iraqi parliament in January 2020. Zakharova emphasized that the decision represents the Iraqi people's desire to reclaim and strengthen their state sovereignty after a prolonged period of foreign military presence.

Zakharova criticized the US presence in Iraq, which began in 2003 following an invasion under what she described as a contrived pretext, leading to long-term instability in the region. She noted that Russia welcomes the withdrawal, viewing it as evidence that Iraqi military and security forces are capable of maintaining their national defense and security independently, including countering threats from groups such as ISIS.

Furthermore, Zakharova expressed confidence that Iraq would overcome internal and external challenges through cooperation with neighboring countries. She reiterated Russia's proposal for a 'Collective Security Concept for the Gulf Region,' which suggests that regional states, including Iraq, should play a central role in maintaining stability.

The US Defense Department recently announced the formal conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, marking the departure of coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base. This withdrawal is part of an agreement between Baghdad and Washington to end the coalition's military mission by September 2026, transitioning to bilateral security relations. The coalition, led by the US, was established in 2014 to assist Iraq in fighting ISIS, which had seized significant territories in Iraq and Syria. Iraq declared full territorial control from ISIS by December 2017. The initial US invasion of Iraq occurred in 2003, with a withdrawal at the end of 2011.