Estonia troop withdrawal Iraq is officially underway, as the Baltic nation prepares to bring its soldiers home in September. This move ends Estonia’s largest military deployment abroad.
According to Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, Estonia will pull its troops from the US-led Combined Joint Task Force—Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). This coalition aims to defeat ISIS and promote lasting stability across the Middle East.
Currently, around 80 Estonian servicemen are stationed in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. These soldiers have been contributing to the mission since 2023. Despite the harsh climate and cultural differences, Estonian troops have gained valuable combat experience.
Pevkur explained that the evolving security conditions in the Middle East influenced Estonia’s decision. However, he emphasized that Iraq remains relatively stable. That stability provides the right opportunity to complete the mission and bring troops home.
Even though most soldiers will leave Iraq, Estonia will continue to play a limited role. One staff officer will remain in Baghdad as part of the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI). This ensures Estonia maintains a connection with international partners.
Estonian troops have already begun dismantling equipment and preparing for departure. The withdrawal highlights Estonia’s commitment to adjusting its defense priorities. Now, greater focus will be placed on strengthening homeland security.
Estonian officials consistently praised their soldiers’ professionalism throughout the mission. Moreover, Pevkur emphasized the importance of working closely with international allies and, in addition, building battlefield experience. As a result, these experiences have helped modernize Estonia’s military and significantly improve cooperation with NATO.
Estonia troop withdrawal Iraq marks a significant shift in Estonia’s global defense policy. It also reflects growing confidence in Iraq’s ability to maintain internal stability without large-scale foreign military support.
As September nears, the Baltic country prepares to welcome its forces home. This decision, though cautious, represents a step toward a more focused national defense approach.
Estonia troop withdrawal Iraq underscores a strategic transition and highlights the evolving nature of global security collaborations.
