The final group had stayed behind to recover and ship out logistical equipment, Crosetto said. Italian forces, along with those of other countries in the Global Coalition and NATO, left Iraq by the September 30 deadline agreed with the Iraqi government.
Crosetto said the withdrawal was „not an Italian decision,“ but part of a new phase agreed with Iraqi authorities and partner countries, in which Iraqi security forces take full responsibility for the country‘s security.
The Global Coalition‘s Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), the US-led military campaign against ISIS, will continue to operate from other countries, according to the statement.