NATO withdraws personnel from Iraq to Europe as regional war intensifies

BAGHDAD — NATO has completed the withdrawal of all its personnel from Iraq, relocating the mission to Europe as the regional war enters its fourth week, the alliance confirmed Friday.

“NATO Mission Iraq has adjusted its posture, safely relocating all its personnel from the Middle East to Europe,” Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich said in a statement. “The last NATO Mission Iraq personnel departed the country on March 20.” The mission will continue from Joint Force Command Naples, NATO said.

An Iraqi security source told the Iraqi News Agency the move was temporary, saying NATO personnel would return “once the war ends and the security situation in Iraq stabilizes.” NATO’s statement made no such commitment, saying only that the mission would continue from Naples.

The NATO mission — a non-combat advisory and capacity-building force established in 2018 — was headquartered at Forward Operating Base Union III inside Baghdad’s Green Zone near the U.S. Embassy, which has been struck multiple times by drone and rocket attacks since the regional war began Feb. 28.

Prime Minister Sudani urged NATO member states to refrain from engaging in the regional war during a call Thursday with Secretary General Mark Rutte, stressing the need for a diplomatic solution.