NATO evacuated its mission in Iraq due to the escalating regional situation, according to the Iraqi state news agency INA, citing a senior Iraqi security official.
“The NATO mission is being evacuated and withdrawn from Iraq. This is a temporary measure due to the situation in the region and the ongoing war, due to concerns for the lives of the mission’s personnel,” the source said.
Earlier on Friday, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said the alliance would “adjust” its presence in Iraq for security reasons.
Italian NATO troops flee to Jordan
Earlier on Friday, a security source in Iraq said that all Italian troops deployed as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have fled to Jordan, citing ongoing operations carried out by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
The source said the number of Italian soldiers amounts to 100 troops, without providing further details on the timing of the withdrawal.
The development comes amid continued military operations by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq against what it describes as “enemy bases in Iraq and the region,” carried out in response to ongoing aggression and as part of what it calls a commitment to its stated objectives.
The group said its operations are part of a broader response to recent developments, framing them as retaliation and deterrence against continued attacks that have resulted in the martyrdom of several Iraqi Resistance fighters.
Iraqi Resistance releases statement
The Iraqi Resistance forces stated that NATO fled their strikes and they will continue until all occupation troops leave. Below is the communique.
30 / Ramadan / 1447″