After 12 years... Italy ends its military presence in Iraq
The Italian Ministry of Defense announced the withdrawal of its last troops from Iraq, ending a 12-year military presence, as part of arrangements for Italian and NATO forces to leave by September 30. This followed the withdrawal of most personnel in March 2026 after an airstrike targeted a base in Kurdistan. Minister Crosetto described the withdrawal as a transition towards Iraq taking responsibility for its security.
The Italian Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday the withdrawal of its last troops from Iraq, ending a 12-year military presence. This came as part of arrangements for Italian and NATO forces to leave the region by September 30. Rome had withdrawn most of its personnel from Iraq in March 2026, following a nighttime airstrike that targeted a military base in the Kurdistan Region. During their presence, Italian forces participated in the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve against the Islamic State, alongside the non-combat NATO advisory mission to build the capabilities of Iraqi forces. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described the withdrawal as representing a transition towards Iraq assuming greater responsibility for its security. Despite the departure of military forces, two officers from the Italian Carabinieri will remain in Iraq as part of the European Union advisory mission, which operates with the approval of the Iraqi government.