Netherlands Acknowledges Civilian Harm in 2015 Airstrikes

By Ahora Qadi 

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Netherlands has extended an official gesture toward Iraq, acknowledging civilian casualties caused by Dutch airstrikes during the international campaign against ISIS in 2015, and expressing willingness to offer compensation and reconstruction support for affected areas.

The announcement came following a phone call between Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, as disclosed in a statement released by Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the two officials discussed a recent Dutch parliamentary report that addressed the consequences of airstrikes carried out by Dutch fighter jets on ISIS positions in 2015, which inadvertently resulted in civilian deaths.

Dutch Report Acknowledges Civilian Toll

Minister Brekelmans clarified that the report, compiled by an independent committee, included recommendations for compensating the affected communities through service-based development projects. He also conveyed his government’s readiness to consider proposals for new reconstruction initiatives and requested that Iraq present its vision for addressing the aftermath.

Commitment to NATO’s Role and Regional Stability

Beyond the issue of past strikes, the two sides discussed the ongoing role of NATO’s mission in Iraq. Both ministers reaffirmed the importance of NATO’s training and advisory presence and praised continued cooperation between NATO and Iraq’s Ministry of Defense.

They also reviewed the ongoing dialogue between the United States and Iran, expressing mutual support for the diplomatic process and their hopes for a successful outcome.

This exchange underscores a broader commitment by the Netherlands to uphold transparency and international responsibility while enhancing ties with Iraq through reconstruction and collaboration.