MoD Pulls Troops from Iraq to Back UK’s COVID-19 Fight
The Ministry of Defence is redeploying some personnel from Iraq back to the UK amid the coronavirus crisis. With training for Iraqi Security Forces on hold, the UK has paused its mission in Iraq for 60 days as a precaution.
Training Halted as Pandemic Hits
Since 2014, the UK has partnered with the Global Coalition to train Iraqi forces. But the recent drop in training demand and paused NATO missions mean some troops are coming home. Key military staff will stay on the ground to support Iraqi, coalition, and UK interests.
Troops Ready for Action at Home and Abroad
Returning troops will remain on high alert for worldwide deployments. 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.”
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