American-led military operation in Iraq concludes with withdrawal of Estonian troops
In 2016, Estonia joined the international coalition Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in Iraq, sending advisors and security force protection personnel to support the mission. This decision, according to Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, allowed Estonia to focus on developing its defense capabilities in the coming year.
The coalition, led by the United States, was formed at Iraq's request with nearly 90 countries involved. Its primary objectives were to train local security forces and preserve Iraq's sovereignty. Since April 2023, the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) have been a significant part of this effort, supporting OIR with a military advisory team, a support unit, and an infantry company from the Scouts Battalion.
The EDF unit provided close protection, security during movements and visits, and rapid response near Erbil airbase in Kurdistan. Almost 500 Estonian soldiers have rotated through OIR, with up to 110 personnel involved at any one time since April 2023. Smaller numbers of EDF members had been deployed with OIR for nearly a decade.
The EDF's participation in OIR began in response to the expansion of ISIS into northern Iraq in 2014, following the early Syrian civil war. The operation has achieved its goal of preserving Iraq's sovereignty and defeating ISIS militarily, as stated by OIR commander Brig. Gen. Kevin Lambert.
In mid-July, Estonia announced its withdrawal from OIR. The military operation is being scaled back, and responsibility for security and for pressuring the remaining ISIS cells is being gradually handed over to Iraqi forces. Some coalition member states' personnel will remain in Iraq under bilateral agreements with the Iraqi government. The international coalition against ISIS in Iraq includes countries such as the United States, Germany, and others that contribute military support under such agreements.
Brig. Gen. Kevin Lambert praised Estonia's contribution to OIR, stating it was valuable for allies and partners to work with Estonia. Estonia will continue contributing to the NATO NMI training mission based in Baghdad, with one staff officer deployed there.
The minister also noted that international security affects Estonia's security, and Estonia is ready to support allies as needed. The deployment of EDF personnel to OIR in Iraq required a mandate from the Riigikogu, Estonia's parliament. As potential future flashpoints in the Middle East arise, such as the war in Gaza, hostilities between Israel and Iran, and concerns over new Syrian President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa's policies and past connections to al-Qaeda, Estonia's readiness to respond remains a testament to its commitment to maintaining international peace and security.
