Italy has completed the withdrawal of its last troops from Iraq, ending a 12-year military presence.
The Italian Defence Ministry confirmed the final departure on Tuesday.
Rome had already recalled most of its personnel back in March, after an overnight air strike targeted a military base in the Kurdistan region where over 300 Italian troops were based. Some were relocated to Jordan.
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Italian forces were part of two missions: the U.S. led Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State, and NATO Mission Iraq, a non-combat advisory and capacity-building mission.
According to the statement, Italian and NATO forces had agreed with local authorities to complete the exit by September 30th.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the withdrawal marks a transition towards greater Iraqi responsibility for its own security.
However, two Italian Carabinieri officers will remain in Iraq under the European Union’s EUAM Iraq mission, which operates with the Iraqi government’s approval.
Reuters
