Iraq, Minister Crosetto: The Withdrawal of Our Armed Forces Is Complete

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“With the return of the last military personnel involved in the recovery and transfer of logistical supplies, our Armed Forces’ presence in Iraq comes to an end today.
The International Coalition’s Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) and the NATO Mission Iraq will, in fact, continue to operate from other countries.
NATO Mission Iraq, in particular, will remain operational from its temporary headquarters in Lago Patria, in the province of Naples, at NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples.
As agreed with the authorities in Baghdad, the Italian Armed Forces, together with those of the other Coalition and NATO countries present in Iraq, have left Iraqi territory by the September 30 deadline.
As of tomorrow, therefore, our military presence in Iraq will come to an end. This is not due to an Italian decision, but because we are entering a new phase—agreed upon with the Iraqi authorities and partner countries—in which the Iraqi security forces will assume full responsibility.
This marks the end of a twelve-year commitment, during which thousands of our military personnel served in Iraq, contributing to the fight against Daesh, to the country’s security, and to the training of the Iraqi Armed Forces and the security forces of Iraqi Kurdistan.
However, the withdrawal of our armed forces does not signify the end of our relationship with an important and friendly country, nor does it preclude future forms of collaboration and cooperation.

On the contrary, we want to strengthen this bond. The nature of our relationship is changing: less military presence on the ground and an increasing focus on collaboration, training, the exchange of expertise, and the development of the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces.
This is a new phase, in which Iraq is directly assuming ever-greater responsibility for the security of its own territory and in which Italy intends to continue playing its part.
I thank the men and women of our Armed Forces who have served in Iraq over the past twelve years. They have fulfilled their duty with professionalism, a spirit of sacrifice, and a sense of responsibility. To all of them goes my gratitude.” So said Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.

The context.

The Italian withdrawal had already been largely completed by March 2026. In recent weeks, only the teams necessary for the recovery and transfer of materials remained in Iraq.
As confirmed in recent talks between the Chief of the Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano, and the Iraqi Chief of the Defense Staff, General Abdul Amir Yarallah, Italy and Iraq intend to preserve and develop their bilateral relationship, continuing the exchange of expertise and experience as well as training and capacity-building programs.
In addition, two Italian Carabinieri remain in Iraq as part of the European Union Mission (EUAM Iraq), authorized by the Iraqi government.