Full Breakdown
Italy Completes 12-Year Military Withdrawal from Iraq
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 29, 2026, Italy’s defence ministry announced that the country had completed the withdrawal of its remaining troops from Iraq, ending a twelve-year deployment that began in 2014. The final exit fulfilled an agreement with Iraqi authorities to vacate the area by the end of September.
Background and Context
Italian forces had been part of the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve, which targeted the Islamic State, and contributed to NATO Mission Iraq, a non-combat advisory and capacity-building effort. Most Italian personnel had already been recalled by March 2026 after an overnight air strike struck a military base in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. The withdrawal leaves only two Italian Carabinieri officers in the country, who will continue serving under the European Union’s EUAM Iraq mission with the Iraqi government’s approval.
Key Figures
- Guido Crosetto – Italy’s defence minister, who framed the pullout as a shift toward greater Iraqi responsibility for its own security.
- Carabinieri officers – Two members remaining in Iraq under the EUAM Iraq mission.
Official Statements & Responses
The ministry also confirmed that the two Carabinieri officers will stay on as part of the EU-backed mission, operating with the consent of the Iraqi government.
Why It Matters
The end of Italy’s presence reduces NATO’s footprint in Iraq and signals a broader trend of coalition partners scaling back direct military involvement after the defeat of the Islamic State. Italy’s continued contribution through the EUAM Iraq mission suggests a shift from combat roles to advisory and capacity-building support, aligning with the Iraqi government’s increasing autonomy over its security affairs.