In a recent press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder highlighted the pivotal role that Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, have played in diminishing the threat posed by the Islamic State (IS). He praised the combined efforts of these forces in the ongoing battle against IS, noting that their actions have been instrumental in preventing the extremist group from regaining its former strength.

"Iraqi security forces writ large, which includes Peshmerga, have played a vital role in terms of reducing the threat that ISIS poses," Ryder stated during Tuesday's briefing. Despite these successes, Ryder warned that the threat from IS persists, particularly in volatile regions like Syria and within detention centers such as the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, where many IS prisoners are held.

Ryder stressed the need for continued vigilance to prevent a resurgence of IS, drawing a parallel with the situation in Afghanistan, where a lapse in attention allowed extremist groups to regain power. "Certainly, ISIS is not as capable as it was 10 years ago, but they do continue to pose a threat," he said.

The United States remains committed to working closely with both Iraqi and Peshmerga forces to ensure that IS does not re-emerge as a significant threat. Ryder assured that the coalition would maintain its support for its regional partners, staying vigilant in the fight against extremism.

Meanwhile, discussions between the United States and Iraq regarding the end of the international coalition mission in Iraq have been suspended indefinitely. This development follows recent attacks on the Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province, according to an announcement made earlier this week by the Iraqi Prime Minister.