26.03.2026 16:11
Following the announcement by the Ministry of National Defense that the personnel of the Turkish Armed Forces serving in Baghdad, Iraq, under NATO's framework have been evacuated, NATO Secretary General Rutte made a notable statement. Rutte, indicating that three ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards Turkey were intercepted in the air, stated, "As 32 allies, we will do everything we can to defend every inch of NATO territory."
The Ministry of National Defense announced that the evacuation of TSK personnel serving in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, has been carried out. The ministry stated that the latest developments in the region have been taken into account, and provided the information that "the withdrawal of the NATO Iraq Mission has been decided." Following this development, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made a notable statement.
"WE WILL DO OUR BEST"
Emphasizing the alliance's commitments to Turkey's national security, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that ballistic missiles fired from Iran towards Turkey were successfully destroyed in three separate incidents, stating, "As 32 allies, we will do our best to defend every inch of NATO territory. The interception of three missiles directed at Turkey is clear evidence of this, and we will continue to do so."
"MESSAGE OF DETERMINATION"
Continuing his remarks, Rutte said, "We clearly show all our adversaries that we will do everything necessary to ensure our security," and added, "NATO stands firmly by all its allies, and we successfully intercepted ballistic missiles directed from Iran to Turkey in three separate incidents."
CALL FROM THE US: LEAVE IRAQ IMMEDIATELY
On the other hand, the US Embassy in Baghdad called on its citizens in Iraq to leave the country immediately. The statement reminded that the highest level of travel advisory, "Level 4: Do Not Travel," is in effect for Iraq, stating, "Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. If you are in the country, leave immediately."