Nato: NATO has relocated all personnel from its mission in Iraq to Europe, the alliance stated, citing a shift in operational posture amid the current hostilities in the Mideast.

According to Anadolu Agency, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe confirmed that NATO Mission Iraq personnel were safely moved out of the Middle East, with the final staff departing Iraq on March 20. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's supreme allied commander Europe, expressed gratitude to the Republic of Iraq and allied nations for their assistance in the relocation process. He further commended the mission personnel for maintaining operations during the transition.

Following the relocation, NATO Mission Iraq will continue its work from Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy. The statement highlighted that the mission remains a non-combat mission focused on advising and building the capacity of Iraqi security institutions. The primary objective is to support Iraq in developing sustainable, transparent, and inclusive security forces capable of maintaining stability, countering terrorism, and preventing the resurgence of ISIS (Daesh).

The relocation comes in the wake of escalated hostilities since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28, resulting in approximately 1,300 fatalities, including the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.