Italy completes military withdrawal from Iraq after 12 years

Italy has completed the withdrawal of its armed forces from Iraq, ending a 12-year military presence in the country, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced on Tuesday.

According to him, the last Italian personnel, who had remained to complete the recovery and transfer of logistical equipment, have returned to Italy. The withdrawal was completed ahead of the 30 September deadline agreed with the Iraqi authorities.

Crosetto said the completion of the mission marks the transition to a new phase, in which Iraqi security forces will take full responsibility for the country’s security.

Over the past 12 years, thousands of Italian soldiers have served in Iraq, taking part in efforts against the ISIS terrorist group and training the Iraqi armed forces, including the security forces in the Kurdish region.

Meanwhile, the US-led coalition’s Operation Inherent Resolve and the NATO Mission in Iraq will continue their activities. The NATO mission will operate temporarily from the alliance’s Joint Forces Command in Lago Patria, near Naples.