BAGHDAD - The Iraqi Defense Ministry said on Saturday that the Iraqi army has taken full control of the Ayn al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq's Anbar province following the withdrawal of US troops.

A statement issued by the ministry said Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army Abdul Amir Yarallah oversaw the assignment of duties and responsibilities to the various military units and formations at the base, following the withdrawal of US forces.

Yarallah stressed the importance of ensuring the security and protection of the base, which is the second-largest airbase in Iraq.

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The handover follows an announcement in late December by the Iraqi military, which confirmed the completion of the mission of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State at the site.