Operation Shader to continue but coalition to end in Iraq as UK and US troops withdraw

Operation Shader will continue in Iraq despite the withdrawal of US troops, BFBS Forces News understands. 

The UK's operation against Islamic State in the Middle East is judged to be greater than the UK military presence in Iraq alone and will therefore continue as a partnership with sovereign Iraq as opposed to an in-country operation.

It comes as the US is set to withdraw from its last remaining bases in Iraq, bringing an end to a 23-year military presence in the country.  

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Because the government does not comment on specific details of operational deployments, it remains unclear how many UK personnel have left Iraq following the withdrawal of US troops, or how many will remain as part of the new phase of Op Shader. 

UK's involvement in Op Inherent Resolve

Over the past decade, the UK has provided security support to Iraq through Op Shader, Britain's contribution to the Global Coalition. 

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the UK-Iraq security cooperation is set to enter a new phase as Op Inherent Resolve concludes and coalition forces, including UK personnel, begin to depart Iraq. 

In a statement, the MOD said: "Following more than a decade of operations, training and capacity building, Iraqi Security Forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga have secured the enduring territorial defeat of Daesh (Islamic State) in Iraq and are now well placed to take primary responsibility for the country's security. 

"The ISF has bolstered security across Iraq, enabling the return of essential services and supporting the recovery of communities affected by conflict. With these objectives achieved, Iraq and its international partners can begin a new chapter focused on enduring security cooperation under Iraqi leadership.

The MOD said the UK will continue to support Iraq's security and stability, working closely with Iraqi partners to develop an enduring bilateral defence partnership.

12 years of Op Shader

At the invitation of the Iraqi government, UK forces have provided valuable support, training and assistance to more than 111,000 members of the ISF – including more than 21,000 of the Peshmerga – in crucial infantry, weapons maintenance, counter-IED, medical and engineering skills.

The RAF has also conducted thousands of sorties against the Islamic State, striking more than 2300 targets, as well as providing critical surveillance and reconnaissance in support of ISF ground operations.

The MOD paid tribute to the UK personnel who have contributed to the Global Coalition's efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the continued global defeat of the Islamic State through Op Shader. 

"Alongside security partnerships, the UK will continue to lead the coordination of Coalition communications that counter Daesh propaganda and build resilience against terrorist messaging," they said. 

"Our commitment to Iraq and the wider region remains steadfast. Building on a decade of close cooperation, we look forward to developing an enduring bilateral defence partnership with Iraq. 

"This will focus on counter-terrorism cooperation, military education, capability development, defence industrial collaboration and advancing our shared security interests."