The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) reportedly withdrew several hundred personnel from Iraq on Friday amid the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran. Their withdrawal comes in the wake of Iranian attacks targeting British, French and Italian bases in Iraq.
The last personnel from the group, known as NATO Mission Iraq, left Iraq on Friday, the alliance said in a statement, according to CBS News. It includes soldiers from NATO allies, as well as personnel from partner countries such as Austria and Australia.
What is the NATO Iraq mission?
The non-combat mission was created in 2018 at the request of Iraqi authorities as the country sought to strengthen its security forces and fight terrorism. As part of the mandate, NATO personnel trained Iraqi forces but were not involved in combat operations, the alliance said.
US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of NATO forces in Europe, thanked Iraq and allies for helping with the relocation.
“I would also like to thank the dedicated men and women of NATO Iraq who have continued their mission throughout this period. They are true professionals,” CBS quoted Grynkewich as saying in a statement Friday.
NATO’s move also comes at a time when US President Trump has repeatedly criticized the alliance, describing it as a “COWARD” and a “PAPER TIGER”.
His criticism comes after he renewed calls for international partners to help restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and urged states that rely on the critical oil transit corridor to play a part in protecting the waterway.
What did Trump say?
On Tuesday, Trump boldly claimed that the US “no longer needs or wants” help from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after Japan, Australia and other nations refused to join the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
“Since we have achieved such military success, we no longer “need” or desire help from NATO countries – we NEVER did! Neither did Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as the President of the United States of America, by far the most powerful country anywhere in the world, we DO NOT NEED ANYONE’S HELP FOR LONG! Social.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz in the spotlight?
Iran launched retaliatory strikes after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on the Islamic Republic on Saturday, February 28 – which also killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The republic is also reportedly attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz – which serves as a critical corridor for oil transit.
It serves as a key route for about a quarter of the world’s liquefied natural gas exports and by sea from the Gulf countries to global markets.
Earlier, in an interview with MS Now – Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi said the strait remains open to all countries except its “enemies”.
