Netherlands unable to withdraw troops from Iraq after U.S. airstrike on Iran

The Netherlands has not yet succeeded in withdrawing its roughly 150 troops stationed in Iraq. Some soldiers remain in place, awaiting return amid growing fears of Iranian attacks on Western targets following recent U.S. airstrikes. The Dutch Ministry of Defense confirmed the troops are safe but remain on heightened alert.

Defense stated, "It is still being considered" how members of the Air Mobile Brigade in Iraq can be brought home. The closure of airspace has left them stranded. These troops have spent recent months protecting NATO advisors assisting Iraqi security services. Some were scheduled to leave last week as French forces took over their duties, while the remainder is expected to follow later.

The U.S. strikes on Iran overnight Saturday into Sunday have reportedly not halted the work of Dutch military personnel in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East, Defense officials said. However, soldiers are exercising increased caution, conducting fewer patrols than usual.

A portion of Dutch forces is stationed in Bahrain, where liaison officers serve at the U.S. naval headquarters, according to Defense.