5 months Ago
Troops Held Back in Local War
Dutch forces have been in Iraq on a mission to stabilize and secure the country since the defeat of the Islamic State in 2019. Dutch soldiers now 150 on first plane to return will be replaced by French soldiers. But plans for the exodus were left on hold with the movement of warplanes restricted after fighting erupted between Israel and Iran.
Tensions escalated after the United States carried out airstrikes on Iran, raising fears of retaliation against Western forces. These fears brought the temporary grounding of flights and postponement of troop movements.
More Troops to Go Soon
The other soldiers would follow when the conditions were right, Brekelmans said. “About half are on their way now, and the others will be able to go a little later,” he said. The drawing-down is still being conducted in cooperation with international partners to safeguard Dutch staff during the handover.
