Finland ends ISIS operation in Iraq

The Finnish Defence Forces' participation in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) has ended, said an official press release on Tuesday.

The strength of Finland's Crisis Management Force in Iraq (SKJI) was about 70 soldiers. The Finnish personnel returned to Finland on 29 December 2024.

Operation Inherent Resolve was established in 2014 on the initiative of the United States to combat the rapid and violent spread of the terrorist organization ISIS (Daesh) and other extremist organizations in Syria and Iraq.

The main objective of the operation was to prevent the advance of ISIS and eliminate its combat capability. The aim was also to stabilize the region, provide humanitarian aid and support the local security forces.

Finland joined OIR with a branch of about 50 people in August 2015. The task of the Finns was to act as advisors and train Kurdish Peshmerga troops in the fight against ISIS.

At the time of completion, Finland has been performing demanding training, counselling, safety and personnel tasks for almost ten years. Around a thousand Finns served in Iraq, most of whom were reservists.

“I would like to thank the soldiers who have participated in the operation over the years. The work you have done in challenging conditions has been fruitful and appreciated,” said Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Lieutenant General Kari Nisula.