Hungarian contribution to anti-terrorism action
The government has submitted a draft resolution on modifying military engagement against the Islamic State
Text: Ministry of Defence | 13:23 November 17, 2023On behalf of the government, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky has tabled his proposed amendment on Hungary’s military role in Iraq. Based on the draft resolution tabled by him, at most 20 troops – or 40 in rotational periods – would serve in the international military operations conducted against the Islamic State. Their mandate will run until 31 December 2025.
Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky informed the press that as an esteemed member of the Alliance, Hungary continues making contributions to taking joint action against terrorism in NATO’s collective defence tasks. The minister added that the position of the Hungarian government remains clear, namely that the migration afflicting Europe must be curbed and all ills must be tackled where they emerge.
Migration and terrorism go hand in hand, the warriors of the Islamic State keep coming into European cities and also to the southern border of Hungary. Therefore, it is of paramount importance for us to curb migration and terrorism and for the National Assembly to extend the mandate for the Hungarian Defence Forces’ engagement in Iraq – which currently runs until 31 December 2023, based on a former decision – until 31 December 2025.
Based on the draft resolution submitted now, the Hungarian Defence Forces are going to participate in coalition operations conducted against the terrorist organization by performing partnership capability building, providing military assistance and advice, and carrying out force protection (FP) tasks. The troops of the Hungarian Defence Forces have been serving in the Kurdish region of Iraq, in the framework of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) of the Global Coalition against Daesh/ISIS since 25 August 2015.
The National Assembly is expected to ratify the resolution before the end of this year.
(Press release of the Ministry of Defence)
