Brussels, March 20 (SANA) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced on Friday a formal adjustment to the status of its mission in Iraq. This follows disclosures by two Iraqi officials that the non-combat advisory personnel have begun a temporary withdrawal due to the ongoing regional conflict.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed the shift in a statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP), stating: “We can confirm an adjustment to our posture within the framework of the NATO Training Mission in Iraq.” Hart declined to provide further specifics, citing operational security concerns, but noted that the Alliance is working in close coordination with its regional allies and partners.
Earlier today, an official from the Iraqi Joint Operations Command reported that the NATO mission has largely vacated the “Union III” base, leaving behind only a minimal skeleton crew. A second official corroborated the temporary nature of the move, noting that the decision was driven by severe security concerns as the geopolitical situation deteriorates.
Since the outbreak of the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28, Iraq has emerged as a primary theater of spillover violence. The country has witnessed a continuous cycle of airstrikes targeting Iraqi armed factions, as well as retaliatory attacks on U.S. interests and diplomatic facilities.
Established in October 2018, the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) serves a strictly advisory role for Iraqi security forces and institutions. Headquartered within a secure military installation in central Baghdad near the U.S. Embassy—which has faced multiple rocket and drone strikes in recent weeks—the mission comprises several hundred personnel from NATO member states and partner nations, including Australia and Austria.
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