UK Troops Pulled Back from Iraq Amid COVID-19
The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered a partial withdrawal of troops from Iraq due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Training missions with the Iraqi Security Forces have been paused, cutting back the need for British personnel on the ground.
Training Mission Suspended for 60 Days
Since 2014, the UK has worked alongside the Global Coalition and NATO to train Iraq’s forces. But the outbreak has forced a 60-day halt to these operations. Despite this, key UK military staff will stay in Iraq to back the Iraqi government and protect UK interests.
Troops Ready but Heading Home
Returned personnel will stay ready for global deployment while reuniting with families during the pandemic. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
“In recent months the tempo of training has significantly declined, which means that I am in a position to bring back the current training unit to the UK. There remains a significant footprint of UK Armed Forces within the coalition and elsewhere.
We are committed to building Iraq’s security capacity through our membership of the Global Coalition that has proved so effective and will continue to support the Iraqi Government in achieving stability.”
Daesh Threat Lingers Despite Loss of Territory
While Daesh no longer controls land in Iraq, its dangerous ideology remains a threat. The UK vows to continue fighting Daesh alongside the Global Coalition and support Iraq’s government until the threat is fully defeated.
