Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a news conference on February 15 in which he urged alliance members to spend more on defence and raised concerns over early withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. Reuters
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a news conference on February 15 in which he urged alliance members to spend more on defence and raised concerns over early withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. Reuters
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a news conference on February 15 in which he urged alliance members to spend more on defence and raised concerns over early withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. Reuters
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a news conference on February 15 in which he urged alliance members to spend more on defence and raised concerns over early withdrawal of troops from Afghani

Iraq

Nato ministers set to boost Iraq mission to more than 4,000 soldiers

More troops will be involved in more training missions with more security forces in Iraq, the organisation said

The National

February 17, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Nato defence ministers are expected to agree a major increase in troop numbers in Iraq at a meeting this week.

The move could potentially cement a broader role for the Atlantic alliance in the Middle East, senior officials and diplomats said.

The number of Nato troops could increase from 500, to between 4,000 and 5,000, four diplomats told Reuters.

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday ministers were expected to agree to the expanded mission during a virtual meeting on Wednesday and Thursday but did not give details on the size of the new force.

He said there would be more allied personnel working in more security institutions across Iraq.

"The mission will expand gradually, in response to the situation," he said.

Rocket attack on Erbil airport - in pictures 

Two men stand near the scene of a rocket attack targeting Erbil's airport, the first time in nearly two months that Western military or diplomatic installations have been targeted in Iraq. AFP
Two men stand near the scene of a rocket attack targeting Erbil's airport, the first time in nearly two months that Western military or diplomatic installations have been targeted in Iraq. AFP
A man inspects the damage near the scene of a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
A man inspects the damage near the scene of a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
There were several blasts and a fire blazing for a few minutes near the airport. AFP
There were several blasts and a fire blazing for a few minutes near the airport. AFP
Smoke rises over Erbil, Iraq, where mortar shells reportedly struck close to the airport. Reuters
Smoke rises over Erbil, Iraq, where mortar shells reportedly struck close to the airport. Reuters
Security forces gather following a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
Security forces gather following a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
People look at damage caused by the rocket attack on Erbil airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. Eight rockets targeted the airport, one of which hit an apartment complex near the US consulate. EPA
People look at damage caused by the rocket attack on Erbil airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. Eight rockets targeted the airport, one of which hit an apartment complex near the US consulate. EPA
Broken glass at the Bright Castle Motors building after reports of mortar shells landing near Erbil airport, Iraq. Reuters
Broken glass at the Bright Castle Motors building after reports of mortar shells landing near Erbil airport, Iraq. Reuters
Five people were wounded and many shops damaged, security officials said. EPA
Five people were wounded and many shops damaged, security officials said. EPA

He added that this came at the request of the Iraqi government.

Nato has had a non-combat, "train-and-advise" mission in Baghdad since October 2018, but plans to expand it were delayed, in part by Covid-19 and also due to concerns about regional stability after a US drone killed a top Iranian commander in Baghdad on January 3, 2020.

Earlier expansion plans were mainly in response to a demand by then-US President Donald Trump for Nato to do more in the Middle East.

This time, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi, a former intelligence chief and US ally who took office in May, is eager to have a greater Nato presence in the country at a time of rising insecurity, diplomats told Reuters.

Read More

Erbil attack: Iran-made rockets used to kill contractor and wound US soldier

Erbil rocket attacks in Iraq: What we know so far and what comes next

It is also just months before the Iraqi government plans to hold early elections in the face of mass protests that have seen security forces use live ammunition and tear gas canisters to kill and maim hundreds of demonstrators.

A rocket attack on US-led forces in northern Iraq killed a civilian contractor on Monday and injured a US service member, in the deadliest such incident in almost a year.

Paramilitary groups aligned with Iran in Iraq and Yemen have launched attacks against the US and its Arab allies in recent weeks, including a drone attack on a Saudi airport and a rocket attack on the US embassy in Baghdad.

Nato will likely take over some of the training activities carried out by the US-led coalition against ISIS.

The mission, involving allies including Britain, Turkey and Denmark and led by a Danish commander, is seen as more acceptable to Iraqis than a US training force, diplomats said.

Currently, the Nato mission only trains and advises members of the Iraqi security institutions and forces who are under the direct control of the Iraqi government.

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Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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Tomorrow 2021
RESULTS

5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: M'A Yaromoon, Jesus Rosales (jockey), Khalifa Al Neydai (trainer)

5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: No Riesgo Al Maury, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Mahmouda, Pat Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AS Jezan, George Buckell, Ahmed Al Mehairbi

7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Dolman, Antonio Fresu, Bhupath Seemar

MEYDAN CARD

6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m

7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m

8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m

8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m

10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m

10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

The National selections:

6.30pm AF Alwajel

7.05pm Ekhtiyaar

7.40pm First View

8.15pm Benbatl

8.50pm Zakouski

9.25pm: Kimbear

10pm: Chasing Dreams

10.35pm: Good Fortune

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Takreem Awards winners 2021

Corporate Leadership: Carl Bistany (Lebanon)

Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)

Environmental Development and Sustainability: Bkerzay (Lebanon)

Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)

Humanitarian and Civic Services: Women’s Programs Association (Lebanon)

Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)

Excellence in Education: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) (Qatar)

Outstanding Arab Woman: Balghis Badri (Sudan)

Scientific and Technological Achievement: Mohamed Slim Alouini (KSA)

Young Entrepreneur: Omar Itani (Lebanon)

Lifetime Achievement: Suad Al Amiry (Palestine)

MATCH INFO

France 3
Umtiti (8'), Griezmann (29' pen), Dembele (63')

Italy 1
Bonucci (36')

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Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

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  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
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ACC 2019: The winners in full

Best Actress Maha Alemi, Sofia

Best Actor Mohamed Dhrif, Weldi  

Best Screenplay Meryem Benm’Barek, Sofia  

Best Documentary Of Fathers and Sons by Talal Derki

Best Film Yomeddine by Abu Bakr Shawky

Best Director Nadine Labaki, Capernaum
 

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Iraq