NATO announces ‘capacity building package’ for Iraq

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization announced Friday a defense “capacity building package” for Iraq.  

The package will include advice on security sector reform, countering improvised explosive devices, explosive ordnance disposal and de-mining, civil military planning, cyber defense, military medicine and medical assistance, military training and civil emergency planning. 

{mosads}The training programs will take place in Turkey and Jordan, NATO said in a statement.

“NATO and Iraqi experts will now work on the details of the training programs which will be held in Turkey and Jordan,” it said. 

The announcement represents deeper involvement in the fight against ISIS by Turkey and comes after the NATO member nation requested a council meeting earlier this week, as it began bombing in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey is also finalizing a deal with the U.S. that would allow coalition troops to use Turkish bases for strikes against ISIS and would pave the way for “ISIS-free” zones in Syria.

“It will help strengthen the country’s security and defence sector by providing support in areas where NATO is best-placed to add value,” a NATO statement said Friday. 

“This decision, taken today by the North Atlantic Council, underscores NATO’s commitment to deepening our partnership with Iraq,” it said.