Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs of the Netherlands has taken over command of NATO Mission Iraq, succeeding Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero Martínez of Spain. The change of command ceremony took place in Baghdad, where Schreurs expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the mission. He emphasized the importance of working together to build safety and security in Iraq, continuing the mission’s focus on providing advice and assistance to Iraqi partners. The motto of the mission, “building safety and security together,” reflects the collaborative efforts of NATO and Iraqi forces.
Outgoing commander Lieutenant General Agüero Martínez highlighted the critical role of NATO advisors in the mission, noting their specific knowledge and experience in working with Iraqi institutions. These advisors play a key role in providing the necessary support and assistance to their Iraqi counterparts, contributing to the overall success of the mission. Established in 2018, NATO Mission Iraq is a non-combat advisory and capacity-building mission aimed at assisting Iraq in developing more sustainable and effective security institutions and forces. This support helps to enhance stability in Iraq, combat terrorism, and prevent the resurgence of groups like ISIS/Daesh.
The mission operates with the consent of the Iraqi government, emphasizing the importance of respecting Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. By working closely with Iraqi partners, NATO Mission Iraq demonstrates a commitment to shared security and stability in the region. The mission’s activities focus on building transparent, inclusive, and effective security institutions to address the ongoing security challenges in Iraq. Through collaboration and cooperation, NATO and Iraqi forces work together to achieve common goals and objectives, contributing to a safer and more secure environment for all.
NATO Mission Iraq serves as a tangible example of NATO’s comprehensive approach to security, addressing a range of challenges and threats in a coordinated manner. By providing advisory and capacity-building support to Iraqi forces, the mission aims to strengthen security institutions and enhance their ability to respond to security threats effectively. The ongoing commitment of NATO forces in Iraq underscores the alliance’s dedication to promoting stability and security in the region. As Lieutenant General Schreurs assumes command, he will continue to build on the progress made by his predecessor, working towards the mission’s objectives of building safety and security in Iraq through collaborative efforts and mutual support.
