Shafaq News / The US-led international coalition announced on Sunday, that its forces had left Kirkuk Air Force Base (Camp K1) and delivered their equipment to Iraqi forces.

In a statement, the coalition said, "The handover ceremony for the international coalition within Kirkuk Air Force Base from the Joint Task Force ... Operation Torque Operation to the Iraqi Security Forces" took place today, 29 March 2020. "

"As a result of the successes achieved by the Iraqi security forces in the campaign against ISIS, the coalition is repositioning its forces in Iraq. These movements have been planned for a long time with the Government of Iraq," the statement added.

"The transfer of bases, which was previously planned has nothing to do with the recent attacks against Iraqi bases hosting the coalition forces, or the current status of (Covid-19) pandemic in Iraq," the statement added.

The statement quoted Colonel Vincent Barger, Director of Sustainability, Common Task Force. Operation Solid Decision, as saying, “Today is a day of pride for our Iraqi Security Forces and International Military Coalition partners against ISIS. Kirkuk Air Force Base has served as a critical location for coalition and Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi counter-terrorism apparatus in the battle against ISIS and follow safe havens of ISIS terrorists in the rugged Hamrin Mountains. "

"This base will remain a key position in our joint efforts to eliminate ISIS. Today the transfer took place in coordination with the Government of Iraq and it is thanks to the efforts and successes of our partners in the Iraqi security forces," Parker said.

He added, "The Joint Task Force. Operation Solid Torque is to redeploy and transfer personnel and equipment to several Iraqi bases throughout 2020," stressing that "Iraqi security forces continue to carry out increasingly independent operations against ISIS in order to defend their homeland - including Iraqi Heroes Operation, likewise, the "Will to Victory" operation in all its phases, which was implemented in 2019.

Parker indicated that "the joint task force will remain. The solid-state operation in Iraq at the invitation of the Government of Iraq and will continue to advise on operations against ISIS. Currently, training operations have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure due to (Covid-19). The coalition will operate from fewer positions, but he will continue his commitment to support our partners in their fight against ISIS. The coalition forces will leave Kirkuk air base after completing the transfer of equipment to the Iraqi security forces in the coming days.