NATO announced the evacuation of all its mission personnel from Iraq to Europe amid escalating security difficulties in the Middle East on Friday. This decision follows similar announcements from Germany and Poland, which have also commenced withdrawing their troops. The alliance confirmed that the last members of its military mission left Iraq safely on Friday, reflecting a strategic adjustment to its deployment given the current threats in the region.

In a statement, NATO extended its gratitude to the Republic of Iraq and its allies for their support in the safe transportation of mission members from Iraq. This statement underscores the cooperation between NATO and Iraqi officials during this critical period. The move signals a response to increasing instability and violence that could affect the safety of foreign personnel in the country.

The German defense ministry noted that NATO's decision to alter its operational posture led to the repatriation of German soldiers who were providing advisory and training support to Iraqi security forces. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed relief that the evacuation was carried out successfully despite the precarious circumstances, which involved the use of military transport planes to evacuate personnel and equipment from Baghdad. Poland's defense minister also echoed similar sentiments regarding the withdrawal of Polish troops, marking a significant shift in the international military presence in Iraq due to heightened risks.