The NATO mission in Iraq has begun a temporary withdrawal of its personnel due to security concerns. Iraqi News Agency (INA) gave this information quoting a senior security official. The report described this step as a temporary measure, which has been taken to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the safety of the mission members. He also said that NATO troops would withdraw as soon as the war ends and the security situation in Iraq stabilizes.
This is NATO’s non-combat mission
The NATO Mission in Iraq is a non-combat advisory mission, established in 2018 at the request of the Iraqi Government to strengthen its security sector. This non-combat mission was created in 2018 at the request of Iraqi authorities to help the country strengthen its security forces and fight terrorism. NATO personnel trained members of Iraq’s security forces, but did not deploy with them in combat operations, according to the alliance.
American commander said thanks
The commander of NATO forces in Europe, US Air Force General Alexus Grinkevich, thanked Iraq and allies for the deployment of NATO troops to Iraq. “I also want to thank the dedicated men and women of NATO, Iraq, who continued their mission during this period,” Grinkevich said in a statement Friday. They are true professionals. The temporary withdrawal comes amid heightened tensions following the US-Israeli joint attacks on Iran since February 28, in response to which Iran and its regional allies launched attacks on Israel and US interests across the Middle East.