New Zealand to extend its troops deployment in Iraq until end of 2018

Baghdad – On Monday the government of New Zealand decided to extend the deployment of its troops in Iraq until the end of 2018, while pointed out that the efforts of its troops were praised on both the Iraqi and international levels.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand John Phillip Key said in a press statement, a copy of which was obtained by Iraqi News, “The New Zealand troops that exist in Iraq as part of the international coalition mission against ISIS will remain in Iraq until November 2018,” indicating that, “The troops will stay for longer time in order to train the Iraqi [security] forces.”

Key added, “The efforts exercised by the troops of New Zealand in Iraq were praised by the Iraqi government and international coalition against ISIS.”

Noteworthy, New Zealand Defense Force works with around 300 Australian troops providing training on basic weapons skills as well as medical support and logistics.