An Iraqi anti-terror resistance group has welcomed the end of the US military presence in Iraq after more than 23 years, calling it a milestone in restoring the country’s sovereignty, stressing that the country must acquire air defense systems to protect its airspace. 

In a statement released on Wednesday, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq said Baghdad must now get sophisticated air defense systems to protect Iraq’s airspace and called for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from positions in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

The group described the US withdrawal as an “important milestone” on the path to restoring Iraq’s sovereignty, emphasizing that the Arab nation now stands at a historic juncture after more than two decades of American military deployment.

“Even though the conclusion of the US military mission comes as a result of a long political process, it is actually indebted to the sacrifices and resistance of Iraqis who consistently sought to end foreign military presence,” the statement read.

Iraq’s long, dark night ends: 23 years of American lies, occupation, abuse end in humiliating ouster

The US withdrawal from Iraq ends a disastrous 23-year military occupation launched on false WMD claims, marked by immense civilian suffering and documented abuses, and leaves Iraqis confronting the war’s enduring consequences and rebuilding their sovereignty.

It added that the sacrifices and resilience of Iraqi people from every walk of life played the most important role in ending the US occupation.

“Our movement played a leading role in this regard, both militarily and politically. At various stages, the faction stood up to American forces, relying on its political stances and discourse on the need to end the US military presence,” Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq stated.

It also underscored the need to protect Iraqi airspace through the acquisition of advanced air defense systems, which the Iraqi military currently lacks.

The resistance group censured the US’s direct financial and economic dominance over Iraqi assets, and called for a practical end to Washington’s fiscal leverage over the country.

“With the end of the US military presence in Iraq, a new responsibility rests with all Iraqis,” Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq stated.

'US reconnaissance, fighter aircraft still flying in Iraq'

Meanwhile, the Kata'ib Hezbollah resistance group has expressed serious doubts about the full withdrawal of American forces and equipment from Iraq in the wake of a September 30 deadline, stressing that obtained information indicates that US reconnaissance and fighter aircraft are still flying in Iraqi airspace and carrying out hostile missions.

“American spy aircraft and warplanes are still operating in Iraqi skies. Our intelligence units have documented all these violations. Moreover, there are reports that American military forces will remain on Iraqi soil until October 30 – the details of which will be announced in due time,” the resistance faction said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, however, has said the September 30 deadline for ending the US-led coalition’s military presence in Iraq and completing the withdrawal of its forces is “fixed and final.”