Seventy Dutch soldiers who were stuck in Iraq due to the war between Iran and Israel are on their way home. The Ministry of Defense announced this on Monday. They are now in Jordan.
The return of the soldiers was scheduled for last week, but was delayed because the airspace over Iraq was closed due to the war between Israel and Iran. Iraq is located between Iran and Israel.
There are now approximately 75 Dutch soldiers remaining in Iraq. They transport and secure NATO advisors in Iraq, among other things, and advise the Iraqi government.
The so-called NMI mission ends at the end of this month. Then the remaining Dutch soldiers can also return home. The soldiers have been in Iraq since January: they relieved another group of Dutch soldiers then.
The Ministry of Defense says it is constantly monitoring the security situation in the region. Contact is also maintained with the soldiers and their home front.