Poland has decided to bring back its troops from Iraq due to the worsening security situation in the Middle East, as announced by Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. The withdrawal was based on an evaluation of operational factors and potential risks, stated Kosiniak-Kamysz on the social media platform X. Around 350 Polish soldiers were stationed in Iraq, with authorization to operate in Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait.
The majority of the personnel have either returned to Poland or are in the process of doing so, while some have been relocated to Jordan to continue their duties, Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed. Simultaneously, the NATO mission in Iraq has also initiated the temporary evacuation of its staff from the country due to security worries, according to a reliable security source speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
This precautionary step is a response to the current conflict and concerns for the safety of mission members, with plans for their return once the situation stabilizes, as reported by INA. Established in 2018 at the behest of the Iraqi government to enhance its security sector, the NATO Mission Iraq is an advisory mission without combat involvement.
The recent escalation in tensions followed joint Israeli and US attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28, resulting in the death of Iran’s then-supreme leader, senior military officials, and civilians. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US installations in the Middle East.
