NATO Withdraws Slovak Troops from Iraq Mission

Bratislava, 22 March (TASR) - NATO has withdrawn Slovak soldiers from the international mission in Iraq due to the current security situation. The soldiers have been transported back to Slovakia by an aircraft of the Slovak Defence Ministry, the Slovak Armed Forces reported on social media. "The withdrawal of personnel from the mission does not mean its end. It is only a response to the current security situation in the area. We are adjusting our position in the mission in Iraq in response to ongoing developments in the global security architecture. We are continuously assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies. Intensive dialogue with the Iraqi government and its security forces will also continue," the army stated. According to the Slovak Armed Forces, the mission in Iraq will continue as a non-combat, advisory and capacity-building operation. It will keep helping Iraq build stability and prevent the return of terrorist activities. NATO announced on Friday (20 March) that it is "adjusting" its mission in Iraq. Officials in the country had earlier said that forces not involved in combat operations had temporarily withdrawn due to the war in the Middle East. Poland has also decided to evacuate its military contingent from Iraq. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz cited the worsening security situation in the Middle East as the reason. mf