Iraq takes control of Ain al-Asad Airbase as coalition forces withdraw

​​​​​​​ISTANBUL

The Iraqi military assumed control of the Ain al-Asad Airbase in western Anbar province following the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces, the Defense Ministry announced Saturday.

The ministry said the army formally took over the management of the base after the international coalition troops left the facility.

Chief of General Staff Gen. Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah inspected the site to oversee the distribution of duties and responsibilities among Iraqi units following the handover, according to the official news agency INA.

The US-led international coalition was established in 2014 to combat the Daesh terror organization after the group captured Mosul and large swathes of Iraqi territory.

In addition to the Ain al-Asad Airbase, coalition forces have historically operated out of a central base in Baghdad, facilities in Erbil and various training camps.