NATO fully evacuates Iraq mission — all personnel relocated to Europe, mission continues from Naples

NATO has completed the full relocation of its Iraq mission personnel from the Middle East to Europe, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) US Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich announced in a statement on Day 21. 'I would like to thank the Republic of Iraq and all the Allies who assisted in the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq,' Grynkewich said. NATO Mission Iraq will continue its advisory work from Joint Force Command Naples in Italy. NATO Mission Iraq advises Iraqi security forces and is explicitly not a combat mission. Its complete physical withdrawal from Iraq is a significant indicator of the alliance's threat assessment: Iraq is no longer considered a safe operating environment for Western military personnel. Poland had earlier announced its own troop withdrawal from Iraq for the same reason. The withdrawal eliminates NATO's physical footprint in Iraq and reduces the alliance's ability to advise and support Iraqi forces on the ground. Iran-aligned Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF/Hashd al-Shaabi) have repeatedly attacked US and coalition positions in Iraq and Syria throughout the war. Operating from Naples creates a significant operational distance from Iraqi partner forces but preserves the mission's formal existence.