NATO withdrew from Iraq

Brussels (dpa) — NATO has relocated personnel from its Iraq mission to Europe due to the tense security situation in the Middle East.

“I would like to thank the Republic of Iraq and all the Allies who assisted in the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq,” General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said on Friday in a published statement.

“I would also like to thank the dedicated men and women of NATO Mission Iraq, who continued their mission throughout this period. They are true professionals,” the statement continued.

The mission will now continue from the alliance’s operational headquarters in Naples. There were initially no official figures on the number of people brought to safety. Sources within the alliance said several hundred were affected.

NATO’s evacuation operation follows Iran’s recent attacks on targets in Iraq.

Tehran has repeatedly attacked targets in Gulf nations in retaliation for the Israeli-US bombing campaign that started in late February. Iraq borders Iran and is home to several Western military bases.

The primary aim of the NATO mission in Iraq, launched in 2018, is to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State militia group. As part of this effort, Iraqi military personnel have been trained by NATO forces.

The announcement comes shortly after Poland also said it had withdrawn its troops from Iraq in coordination with NATO allies.