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NATO has completed the withdrawal of its advisory mission from Iraq, relocating all personnel to Europe due to the escalating regional conflict.
The non-combat force, consisting of several hundred staff members, departed their base in Baghdad’s Green Zone on Friday.
This facility, situated near the U.S. Embassy, had faced repeated threats since the outbreak of the war between U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran three weeks ago.
NATO’s European Command confirmed the “adjustment of posture,” noting that the safety of its personnel was the primary driver for the move.
The mission, established in 2018 to train Iraqi security forces and prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State, will now operate remotely from NATO’s regional command in Naples, Italy.
General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, expressed gratitude to the Iraqi government for facilitating the safe exit.
Despite the physical departure, alliance spokesperson Allison Hart emphasised that political dialogue and practical cooperation with Iraq would continue through other channels.
Iraqi security officials characterised the move as a “temporary withdrawal” rather than a permanent end to the partnership, noting there was no disagreement between Baghdad and the alliance regarding the redeployment.
Under the leadership of French General Christophe Hintzy, the mission had included personnel from various NATO allies as well as partner nations like Australia and Austria.
Military sources indicated that maintaining a physical presence was no longer “relevant” given the current high-threat environment in the Middle East.
