NATO withdraws its personnel from Iraq: What happens next for mission
Illustrative photo: the last NATO personnel have left Iraq (Getty Images)
NATO has completed the withdrawal of its mission staff from Iraq — the last personnel left the country on March 20, according to an official statement from the alliance.
From now on, the mission will continue operations from the NATO Allied Joint Forces Command base in Naples, Italy.
"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 alliance cites General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, in its statement.
Background to the withdrawal
NATO’s decision comes amid similar moves by other member countries:
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Poland had previously evacuated its troops from Iraq.
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Italy temporarily withdrew all personnel from its military base in Iraqi Kurdistan on March 12 following a drone attack.
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Amid regional tensions, the US accelerated the redeployment of its troops.
As RBC-Ukraine reported, Washington is urgently sending thousands of Marines and sailors to the Middle East — part of the forces are being deployed several weeks ahead of schedule.
At the same time, Trump could order troops into Iran. At least, most Americans believe this.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, about 65% of Americans think Trump could make such a decision, but only 7% support such a move.
