By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/nato-pulls-security-advisory-mission-out-of-iraq-after-iranian-attacks-on-european-bases Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter NATO pulls security advisory mission out of Iraq after Iranian attacks on European bases World Mar 20, 2026 3:43 PM EDT NATO has pulled its security advisory mission out of Iraq and relocated several hundred personnel involved in the effort to Europe. The move came after a series of attacks from Iran on other troops at British, French and Italian bases in northern Iraq. READ MORE: Iraq is caught in the crossfire of the Iran war, with attacks by both sides on its soil NATO's top commander, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, confirmed that the last troops left on Friday. He thanked the government of Iraq and allies who helped to safely relocate them, as well as the troops involved, calling them "true professionals." The non-combat mission was launched in 2018 to advise Iraq's national security chief, ministries of defense and interior, and police on how to develop and build effective institutions and forces. It has worked mostly around Baghdad. The mission will now be run from NATO's headquarters in Naples, Italy. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
NATO has pulled its security advisory mission out of Iraq and relocated several hundred personnel involved in the effort to Europe. The move came after a series of attacks from Iran on other troops at British, French and Italian bases in northern Iraq. READ MORE: Iraq is caught in the crossfire of the Iran war, with attacks by both sides on its soil NATO's top commander, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, confirmed that the last troops left on Friday. He thanked the government of Iraq and allies who helped to safely relocate them, as well as the troops involved, calling them "true professionals." The non-combat mission was launched in 2018 to advise Iraq's national security chief, ministries of defense and interior, and police on how to develop and build effective institutions and forces. It has worked mostly around Baghdad. The mission will now be run from NATO's headquarters in Naples, Italy. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now