2026-03-20 16:32
publication
2026-03-20 16:32
All Polish soldiers have been evacuated from Iraq – said the Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, on Friday. He added that most of the personnel of the Polish Military Contingent from Iraq are already in Poland or on their way to the country.
“Due to the deterioration of security in the Middle East region, after analyzing operational conditions and potential threats, a decision was made to relocate the Polish Military Contingent from Iraq,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said in a Friday post on X.
The head of the Ministry of National Defense added that the relocation process was carried out in consultation with NATO allies, and the operation was coordinated by the Operational Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces.
“The priority was to ensure maximum safety for soldiers and PMC employees,” Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized. He noted that most of the contingent's personnel are already in Poland or on their way to the country, while some are in Jordan. “This makes it possible to maintain the continuity of the National Electoral Commission's operations in the region,” he pointed out.
The Operational Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces added in its entry on X that the relocation of the Polish Military Contingent in Iraq was carried out in response to the changing security situation in the Middle East and on the basis of current operational analyses. The aim of the action – noted DORSZ – was to reduce the risk and ensure the maximum level of safety for soldiers and employees of PMC IRAK, while maintaining the ability to perform tasks.
The Operational Command of the Armed Forces was responsible for planning, supervision and coordination of the operation. The forces and means to carry out the operation were provided by the General Command of the Armed Forces.
“Most of the personnel were safely transported to Poland. Some forces remain in a safe location in the region, which allows for continuation of advisory activities and support for Iraqi security forces,” emphasizes DORSZ.
DORSZ spokesman, Lt. Col. Jacek Goryszewski, told PAP that over a hundred Polish soldiers have arrived or are on the way to Poland. Several dozen soldiers are, in turn, transported from Iraq to Jordan to continue their mission as part of the contingent.
The operation, as indicated, was carried out in close cooperation with NATO allies. “Full synchronization of activities and continuity of implementation of mandate tasks has been ensured. The situation remains under constant monitoring, and the safety of Polish soldiers is the highest priority” – stated in the entry of the Operational Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces.
Up to 350 Polish Army soldiers were stationed in Iraq; they operated as part of the Global Coalition Forces against the Islamic State and were primarily involved in training the Iraqi Security Forces. The president's decision also allows the operation of PMC Iraq soldiers in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait.
Lt. Col. Goryszewski also told PAP that no similar decisions have been made so far with regard to the Polish contingent in Lebanon, where approximately 200 Polish soldiers are staying as part of the UN UNIFIL mission. The DORSZ spokesman assured that the security situation in that region and the safety of soldiers are constantly monitored. Currently, the ground operation in Lebanon is being conducted by the Israeli military; According to Israel, the aim of the operation is to combat the Hezbollah terrorist organization operating from Lebanon.
The fact that NATO member states decided to suspend the training mission in Iraq (NATO Mission Iraq, NMI) and evacuate about 600 soldiers in connection with the conflict in the Middle East was reported on Thursday by Spanish media, citing military sources.
Friday is the 21st day of the war in the Middle East. It began with Israeli and U.S. airstrikes against Iran, which responded with attacks on both Israel and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, including American military bases and civilian facilities located there, such as airports and petrochemical installations. He also blocked free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, thereby halting oil exports from the Middle East. (PAP)
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