NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has announced an eightfold increase in the number of personnel in its mission in Iraq, a move aimed at supporting Iraqi forces and ensuring that ISIS does not return.
Stoltenberg explained during a press conference at the end of the second day of the NATO Defense Ministers meeting held in Brussels that the decision raises the number of NATO personnel in Iraq from 500 to 4,000. He noted that, thanks to this decision, NATO’s training programs will include more Iraqi security institutions and areas outside the capital, Baghdad. Stoltenberg emphasized that expanding NATO's training mission in Iraq is aimed at supporting Iraqi forces and ensuring the eradication of ISIS, affirming that the group remains active in Iraq.
The NATO Secretary General pointed out that the increase in NATO's mission will occur gradually, expanding the geographical presence of the alliance's forces beyond Baghdad. He reiterated NATO’s full commitment to Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating, "Our mission in Iraq is at the request of the government there and is conducted with respect for the country's sovereignty." Stoltenberg indicated that he discussed this matter earlier in the week with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and assured him that all of NATO’s steps would be taken exclusively in coordination with the Baghdad government.
Regarding the situation in Afghanistan, the NATO Secretary General mentioned that the alliance is closely monitoring developments in the country and cooperating with security forces there, stressing that the Taliban must cease violence and cooperate with terrorist organizations. He noted that there is no easy option in Afghanistan and that a final decision regarding NATO's presence there has not yet been made. Stoltenberg highlighted that NATO's goal in Afghanistan is to establish a lasting political agreement that would allow the alliance to depart.
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, reaffirming his support for Iraq in its war against terrorism. Stoltenberg tweeted on Tuesday evening that he had contacted al-Kadhimi, emphasizing that "NATO looks forward to supporting Iraq in its fight against terrorism." The two officials discussed the NATO-led training mission in Iraq, with Stoltenberg referencing increased support for Iraqi forces.
It is noteworthy that NATO has maintained a non-combat "training and advisory" mission in Baghdad since October 2018, though plans to expand the mission were postponed, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about regional stability following the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3, 2020, in a U.S. drone strike. Diplomats noted that Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, a former intelligence chief and U.S. ally who took office in May 2020, is keen to ensure a greater NATO presence in the country amid escalating security challenges. Currently, NATO’s mission provides training and advisory services only to members of Iraqi security institutions and forces that are under the direct control of the Iraqi government.
