News item | 23-06-2025 | 8:49 AM
70 Airmobile soldiers are en route from Iraq to the Netherlands. They are now in Jordan and are expected to fly a civilian plane later today. The return was actually planned a few days ago. That was canceled because the airspace above Iraq was closed due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
The mission was already over for the soldiers on the way to the Netherlands. The other part of the 145-member company of 11 Aermobiele Brigade in Baghdad still provides so-called Force Protection during NATO Mission Iraq (NMI). They transport and secure NATO advisers, among others. They advise the Iraqi government on how they can properly organize the defense and safety device. The purpose of this is to strengthen stability and safety in Iraq.
Monitoring
The departure of the remaining contingent ‘red berets’ in Iraq follows when their mission has also ended. The Ministry of Defense constantly monitors the current threat and takes action on the basis of that information. Defense maintained and maintained contact with the soldiers and their home front.
The Netherlands makes a major contribution to NMI. Last year, for example, in addition to the Airmobiele Compagnie, a Chinook detachment of the Air Force was broadcast. In addition, there are Dutch advisers, staff officers and Lieutenant General Cas Schreurs was Force Commander of the mission for a year. A French colleague recently took over that role.