Finland concludes military contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq
Finland joined the coalition in August 2015 with an initial deployment of 50 soldiers. Finnish personnel were tasked primarily with advising and training Peshmerga forces to enhance their capabilities in fighting ISIS.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Finland's Ministry of Defense announced on Dec. 31, 2024, that the Finnish Defense Forces have officially concluded their participation in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), marking the end of nearly a decade of involvement in the international coalition against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
The Finnish Crisis Management Force in Iraq (SKJI), which had approximately 70 personnel at the time of the decision, completed its mission and returned home on Dec. 29. The operation was initially launched in 2014 under the leadership of the United States to combat the rapid expansion of ISIS and other extremist organizations in the region. Its objectives included preventing ISIS’s territorial gains, dismantling its combat capabilities, stabilizing affected areas, and supporting local security forces.
Finland joined the coalition in August 2015 with an initial deployment of 50 soldiers. Finnish personnel were tasked primarily with advising and training Peshmerga forces to enhance their capabilities in fighting ISIS. Over the years, the Finnish contingent has carried out complex training, advisory, and security roles. Approximately 1,000 Finnish soldiers, many of them reservists, have participated in the mission.
Brigadier General Sami-Antti Takamaa, Chief of Operations for the Finnish Army, welcomed the returning troops. “The effects of Finnish training can still be seen as the capability and competence of the trained troops develops, which is important for the long-term security of the region. Most peshmergas still remember the training we gave them, and they tell us that every time they meet Finns,” said Takamaa.
While ISIS has lost most of its territory in recent years, the terrorist organization remains active in the region, and the fight against terrorism continues. Despite concluding its participation in OIR, Finland will maintain its involvement in strengthening Iraq's security sector. The Finnish Defense Forces will continue their role in NATO’s mission in Iraq (NMI), focusing on advising Iraqi forces and supporting comprehensive reforms to enhance the country's security environment.
The conclusion of Finland's OIR mission reflects a shift in focus towards long-term stability and capacity building in Iraq, reinforcing Finland’s commitment to international peace and security.
