Finland announces withdrawal of all its soldiers from Iraq
Finland announces withdrawal of all its soldiers from Iraq
1-1-2025
Information/Follow-up..
The Finnish Ministry of Defense announced today, Wednesday, the return of its last soldiers from Iraq by the end of 2024, who participated in training Iraqi forces to fight ISIS gangs within the international coalition.
A statement by the ministry, followed by Al-Maalouma Agency, stated that “ISIS gangs have lost most of the lands they controlled, but they still pose a threat, which requires the continuation of the war against terrorism.”
He added, “Although Finland’s participation in the operation has ended, the impact of its efforts will remain visible for a long time, as the training provided by Finnish forces has contributed to enhancing the ability of security forces to secure their areas and ensure the safety of the local population.”
“As the situation calmed down partially in 2019, Finland’s role changed from providing training to focusing on full-time protection and advisory activities, with Finnish advisors supporting the development of Iraqi forces’ security capabilities at both the tactical and operational levels,” he explained.
“The Finns have very respected and valued partners, both professional soldiers from other countries and local people,” he noted.
He added, “The professionalism and positive attitudes of the Finnish forces supported the efforts made to achieve stability in the region and defeat ISIS.”
He stressed that “despite the end of Finland’s participation in Operation Inherent Resolve, it continues to support and develop the security sector in Iraq through its participation in NATO’s Mission in Iraq (NMI).”
He explained that “the advisory activity aims to implement broad and long-term reforms to the Iraqi armed forces and their management in cooperation with local partners, which supports the development of the security environment in Iraq.”
He pointed out that “Finnish experts have long been involved in developing the security sector in Iraq and the countries of the region, which has helped to establish stable and fair institutions.”
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