All Romanian soldiers from Iraq have returned to the country. The army explains the withdrawal decision

All the 117 Romanian soldiers deployed in the theater of operations in Iraq returned to Romania on Saturday, March 21, as a result of the decision to adjust NATO's position within the NATO Mission Iraq mission, the Ministry of Defense announces.

The repatriation was carried out in safe conditions, through a coordinated effort at the allied level, with the support of NATO structures and international partners, says the ministry.

The Romanian military were temporarily relocated to the Incirlik bases in Turkey and Ramstein in Germany, from where they were later transported to the country by military aircraft.

“The decision to withdraw was determined by the recent developments in the security situation in the region, the measures adopted having as priority the protection of the deployed personnel”, the Army reports.

During the entire duration of the participation in the NATO mission in Iraq, the Romanian soldiers, from the 2nd Călugareni Infantry Battalion, “had as their main mission ensuring the protection of personnel and allied facilities, demonstrating professionalism and commitment in fulfilling their duties”.

“The Ministry of National Defense reaffirms Romania's commitment to NATO operations and missions, further contributing to the strengthening of international security, in accordance with the Alliance's decisions,” the institution transmits.

NATO's mission in Iraq has been transferred entirely to Europe

NATO has adjusted the posture of its mission in Iraq, safely relocating all personnel from the Middle East to Europe, the North Atlantic Alliance reports, according to TVR.

“I would like to thank the Republic of Iraq and all allies who have contributed to the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq,” said General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “I also want to thank the dedicated men and women of the NATO Mission in Iraq who have continued their work throughout this period. They are true professionals.”

The last members of the NATO Mission in Iraq left the country on March 20.

The NATO mission in Iraq will continue to operate from the Joint Forces Command in Naples. The mission is non-combatant, advisory and capacity building, aimed at supporting Iraq in building more sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective institutions and security forces so that they can stabilize the country, combat terrorism and prevent the return of ISIS/Daesh.