Iraq withdrawing troops from Nineveh plains; Christians uneasy

July 22, 2015

The Iraqi government has ordered 4,000 soldiers and police officers to withdraw from the region of the Nineveh plains, prompting complaints from Christians in the region who have been hoping for an offensive to regain territory seized by the Islamic State.

Since the Islamic State took over the city of Mosul and surrounding areas in northern Iraq, Iraqi soldiers have been stationed near Erbil, and rumors have circulated about a possible counter-offensive to reclaim territory. Some Christian soldiers have reportedly resisted the order to withdraw, saying that they want to be part of an offensive.

The Iraqi government has said that the troops are being recalled to Baghdad for training, and that soldiers must be prepared to defend every part of the country.

 

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Further information:

• The government orders the transfer of the military of the Nineveh Plain to Baghdad; Christian politicians protest (Fides)