The United States issued a formal statement praising the “service and sacrifices” of Iraq’s security forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga, acknowledging their vital role in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against the Islamic State (IS).

The statement expressed “deep respect” for the forces that “played a vital role in defending Iraq and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.” Washington highlighted the “crucial role” of Iraqi security institutions in achieving hard-fought battlefield victories over IS, noting that these gains were secured through “sustained effort and significant sacrifice” and contributed to the nation’s stabilization.

“The United States reaffirmed its support and commitment to continuing cooperation with Iraqi security forces as Iraq took steps toward building a more stable and prosperous future for its people,” the announcement added.

The commendation traces back to the critical period following IS’s rapid territorial expansion in 2014, when the extremist group seized large swathes of northern and western Iraq. Iraqi Security Forces and the Peshmerga were at the forefront of the grueling ground campaign to reclaim lost territory.

Bolstered by air power, training, and advisory support from a U.S.-led international coalition, these forces gradually recaptured occupied areas. This concerted effort culminated in Iraq’s declaration of military victory over IS in late 2017.

Despite the territorial defeat of the so-called caliphate, the statement indirectly acknowledges the persistent threat posed by IS sleeper cells, particularly in disputed territories and remote regions. The U.S. maintains a limited military presence in Iraq as part of the ongoing coalition mission, now focused on advising, assisting, and enabling Iraqi forces to prevent a resurgence of the extremist group.

The statement specifically highlighted the continued importance of the Peshmerga, the armed forces of the Kurdistan Region, as a “key component of Iraq’s security architecture.” Effective coordination between the Peshmerga and federal Iraqi forces remains critical, especially in areas along the internal boundaries between the Kurdistan Region and federal control, where security gaps can be exploited by militants.