Both Allies fly the CH-47 Chinook supporting NMI in their contribution to capacity building enhancing Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty.
Since 2018, NATO’s non-combat advisory activities under NMI are carried out at Iraq’s request and in full respect of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the request from the Iraqi government, NMI is now also advising the Iraqi Ministry of Interior.
Together with others in the International Community, including the United Nations and the European Union, NATO has been helping Iraq to build more sustainable, inclusive and effective armed forces. The goal is to support Iraqi security institutions and to help stabilising their country, fight terrorism and prevent the return of Daesh.
NMI is led by Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs, Royal Netherlands Army. ”The motto of the mission is ‘building safety and security together’ for a reason, and that is something we are going to continue, by enabling and encouraging our advisors to continue providing the advice and assistance to our Iraqi interlocutors’ needs,” he said when he assumed command in May 2024.
All 32 NATO members and partners Austria and Australia contribute to NATO Mission Iraq. Currently, the mission consists of several hundred military and civilian advisors and support elements. Air mobility of NMI is assured – among others by the Netherlands and Spanish Chinook helicopter detachments.
