At a Glance

• Italy completes withdrawal of its final troops.
• Military presence in Iraq lasted 12 years.
• Italian forces supported anti-ISIS and NATO missions.
• Two Carabinieri officers remain under EUAM Iraq.

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Italy has completed the withdrawal of its final troops from Iraq, ending a 12-year military presence in the country, the Italian Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

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Key Statements

“The withdrawal marks a transition towards greater Iraqi responsibility for its own security.” — Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto

• Mission: Italian forces participated in the US-led coalition against ISIS and NATO Mission Iraq, focused on training and capacity building.
• Kurdistan Region: Rome had already withdrawn most of its personnel by March 2026 following an overnight airstrike targeting a military base in the region.
• Remaining personnel: Two Italian Carabinieri officers will stay in Iraq under the EU's EU Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq).

Indicator	Details
Italian military presence	12 years
Final troop withdrawal	September 29, 2026
Earlier withdrawal	Most personnel recalled by March 2026
Main operations	Operation Inherent Resolve, NATO Mission Iraq
NATO role	Advisory and capacity building
Italian personnel remaining	2 Carabinieri officers
Remaining mission	EUAM Iraq

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Italy Ends Military Deployment

Italy completed the withdrawal of its remaining troops from Iraq on Tuesday, bringing an end to a military presence that lasted 12 years.

The Italian Defense Ministry said Italian and NATO forces had agreed with local authorities that personnel would leave the area by September 30.

The withdrawal follows an earlier reduction of Italy's military presence, with most Italian personnel recalled from Iraq by March 2026.

Role In Anti-ISIS And NATO Missions

Italian forces took part in the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve, the international military campaign launched against ISIS, as well as NATO Mission Iraq.

NATO Mission Iraq is a non-combat advisory and capacity-building mission designed to support Iraqi security institutions through training and assistance. Italian military records identify Iraq as a deployment area for both Operation Inherent Resolve and NATO Mission Iraq.

Italian Personnel Remain Under EU Mission

The end of the military deployment does not mean Italy has ended all security-related activities in Iraq.

Two Italian Carabinieri officers will remain in the country as part of EUAM Iraq, an EU civilian advisory mission operating with the approval of the Iraqi government.

News Lens

Italy's withdrawal comes as the international military footprint in Iraq is undergoing a broader transition toward Iraqi-led security responsibilities. Italy's own military records show that its contribution has included both the US-led coalition against ISIS and NATO's advisory mission, with NATO Mission Iraq focused on building the capabilities of Iraqi institutions rather than conducting combat operations.

The end of Italy's military deployment also comes alongside wider changes in the international security presence. Reuters reported Tuesday that the United States was completing the withdrawal of its remaining troops from Iraq by September 30, while Turkey and Iraq recently agreed on a phased transfer of a Turkish military base in northern Iraq.

For Iraq, the transition places greater emphasis on the capacity of national security institutions to maintain security and counter remaining ISIS activity, while international engagement increasingly takes advisory, training and diplomatic forms. Italy's continued participation through EUAM Iraq illustrates that shift rather than a complete end to Italian security cooperation with Baghdad.

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