Italy Ends 12-Year Military Presence in Iraq After Final Troop Withdrawal

Italy has completed the withdrawal of its military personnel from Iraq, bringing an end to a 12-year military deployment in the country.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced on Tuesday that the final personnel, who had remained in Iraq to recover and transfer logistical equipment, had returned home. The withdrawal was completed ahead of a September 30 deadline agreed with Iraqi authorities and partner countries.

Italy’s military presence in Iraq began as part of the international effort against the Islamic State, with Italian forces participating in the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve and later in NATO Mission Iraq, which focused on advising and building the capabilities of Iraqi security forces.

Most Italian personnel had already been withdrawn by March 2026 following an overnight airstrike that targeted a military base in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. The remaining personnel subsequently focused on logistical and reconstruction-related activities before completing the final withdrawal.

Crosetto described the withdrawal as the beginning of a new phase in which Iraqi security forces would assume full responsibility for the country’s security. He also thanked the Italian military personnel who served in Iraq during the 12-year deployment.

However, the end of Italy’s military deployment does not mean that all Italian personnel have left Iraq. Two Carabinieri officers will remain under the European Union’s EUAM Iraq mission, which operates with the approval of the Iraqi government.

The Italian withdrawal comes as the wider U.S.-led coalition prepares to complete its military withdrawal from Iraqi territory under an agreement with Baghdad. NATO’s Mission Iraq has also changed its posture, with its personnel relocated from Baghdad to Europe while continuing its advisory mission remotely.

Italy’s departure marks the conclusion of more than a decade of military involvement in Iraq, while international support for Iraqi security institutions continues through different advisory and training arrangements.