NATO withdrawal from Iraq temporary, not due to attacks, Baghdad says

2026-03-23 - 17:20

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Security Media Cell said Monday that the withdrawal of the NATO mission from the country was a temporary precaution taken in coordination with the Iraqi government, denying that the mission had come under any attacks.Saad Maan, head of the Security Media Cell, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the move was implemented to ensure the safety of personnel amid current regional developments.He emphasized that the NATO mission in Iraq is non-combat, serving advisory and training roles, and operates under NATO headquarters in Naples, Italy, separate from the international coalition mission.Maan added that international coalition forces had already fully withdrawn from Iraq at the end of September under an agreement reached by the Higher Military Commission for dialogue.He said the NATO mission includes representatives from more than 28 countries and that its temporary relocation followed internal assessments conducted in coordination with Iraqi authorities.“The mission has not been subjected to any targeting,” Maan said, noting that it may return depending on developments and Iraq’s security assessments.NATO had announced Friday the evacuation of its mission staff in Iraq to Europe.The mission supports Iraq in strengthening its security institutions, enhancing transparency, and building capacity to combat terrorism and prevent the resurgence of the Daesh/ISIS group.