ERBIL — The United Kingdom Defense Ministry has announced that British jets will cease strike operations over Iraq and Syria following the conclusion of the Global Coalition’s military mission against Islamic State militants, which is expected to end within the next 12 months.

Over the past decade, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has carried out more than 10,000 sorties, targeting over 1,400 locations in both Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Shader.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence expressed gratitude for the professionalism of UK personnel involved in the Global Coalition.

"Thanks to the bravery and effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), Peshmerga, and the coalition's ongoing commitment, Daesh has been territorially defeated in Iraq. The ISF has facilitated the restoration of essential services for communities and the rehabilitation of conflict-affected areas," the statement read.

"With these core objectives achieved, we can begin transitioning to new security arrangements under Iraqi leadership. Working alongside our global coalition partners, the UK remains dedicated to ensuring the global defeat of Daesh and its violent ideology. Our commitment to the security of Iraq and the wider region is steadfast, and we aim to develop a bilateral relationship that promotes long-term stability in Iraq," the UK military added.

The conclusion of the Coalition’s mission marks a shift toward new security frameworks under Iraqi leadership.

The UK’s role in Operation Inherent Resolve has included training and assisting over 111,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces, including 21,000 Peshmerga officers, in crucial skills such as counter-IED tactics, weapons maintenance, and medical training.

While RAF strike operations will come to an end, the UK will continue collaborating with Iraq to ensure lasting stability and security in the region. This mission, initiated in 2014, has been part of a broader Global Coalition Against Islamic State, which consists of 87 international partners dedicated to defeating the terrorist organization.