Finland announces the withdrawal of all its troops from Iraq by the end of 2024
Mawazine News – Baghdad
The Finnish Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday the return of its last soldiers working in Iraq by the end of 2024, after these soldiers participated in training Iraqi forces within the framework of the international coalition to strengthen security and combat terrorism.
A statement from the ministry, received by “Mawazin News”, a copy of it, said that “Finnish forces played a prominent role in strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces, which contributed to securing the areas and ensuring the safety of the local population.” The statement pointed out that ISIS, despite losing control over most of the territory it occupied, continues to pose a security threat, which requires the continuation of international efforts to combat terrorism.
“In 2019, Finland switched from providing face-to-face training to focusing on protection activities and counselling. The Finnish advisers have contributed significantly to the development of Iraqi security capabilities at the tactical and operational levels, adding: “The Finnish soldiers have received great appreciation and respect from their international and local partners, thanks to their professionalism and positive attitudes that have promoted stability in the region.”
Despite the end of its participation in Operation Inserid Resolve, the statement stressed that Finland will continue its support for the development of the security sector in Iraq through its participation in the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI), and the advisory activities under this mission aim to implement comprehensive and long-term reforms in the management of the Iraqi armed forces in cooperation with local partners, thus contributing to improving the security environment in the country.
The statement added that “Finnish experts have long contributed to the development of security sectors in Iraq and countries in the region, which helped to build stable and fair institutions.” He also stressed that “consultative activities will remain an essential part of efforts to achieve long-term stability in the region.”
The statement concluded by stressing Finland’s commitment to continue its work in this important NATO-led process in support of stability and development in Iraq.
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