NATO has begun withdrawing personnel from Iraq due to security risks linked to escalating Middle East tensions, Iraqi media reported Friday. The move comes amid fears of regional spillover from recent US-Israel military actions and Iranian counterstrikes.
Why Now?
A senior security official told the Iraqi News Agency this is a "temporary precaution" until stability returns. The NATO Mission Iraq – launched in 2018 to advise local forces – halted operations as clashes intensified following February's US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Conflict Context
Tensions exploded on February 28 when Washington and Tel Aviv targeted Iranian sites, triggering retaliatory attacks on Western assets across the region. Analysts warn the NATO pullout could further strain Iraq’s security apparatus amid proxy warfare risks.
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