Iraq orders return of troops from Pakistan amid flare-up, welcomes India–Pakistan ceasefire

Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, ordered an immediate return of a group of Iraqi military personnel from Pakistan due to the recent flare-up of violence between Pakistan and neighbouring India. 

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said the prime minister had directed the repatriation of 500 officers and soldiers who were in Pakistan under a prior training agreement. The personnel belong to the 2nd Battalion of the 66th Brigade, part of the Iraqi Special Forces' 2nd Division.

The decision was taken "in light of the current situation in Pakistan," the ministry said, adding that it reflects the government's concern for the safety of Iraq's armed forces. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safe return to Iraq.

In a separate statement, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the Republic of India and the Republic of Pakistan. Iraq described the truce as a "positive step that reflects both parties' commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve disputes."

The ministry praised the move as a "wise step towards de-escalation," with the potential to foster mutual trust and enhance regional stability. It commended the efforts that led to the agreement and reaffirmed that lasting peace can only be achieved through constructive dialogue and respect for international agreements and laws.

However, the ceasefire intended to end hostilities between India and Pakistan was quickly tested by renewed fighting. Overnight border clashes erupted in the disputed Kashmir region, shaking the fragile truce within hours of its announcement.

Residents on both sides of the Line of Control—the de facto border dividing the contested territory—reported heavy exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops. The fighting subsided by Sunday morning.

The two nuclear-armed neighbours had agreed to a ceasefire following urgent talks aimed at defusing their most serious military confrontation in decades. Tensions had escalated after a deadly gun attack on foreign tourists in India, which New Delhi blames on Pakistan, an accusation Islamabad denies.

Under the terms of the agreement, both sides pledged to cease all military operations on land, in the air, and at sea. Yet accusations of truce violations emerged shortly thereafter. Indian officials also reported drone sightings over Indian-administered Kashmir and the western state of Gujarat on Saturday night.

In the Poonch area of Indian-controlled Kashmir, residents described the recent shelling as deeply traumatising, further heightening fears of renewed conflict.

Despite the renewed violence, Iraq expressed hope that the ceasefire could still pave the way for meaningful dialogue and long-term cooperation between the two countries.