19 Apr 2018

Defence Force troops on way to Iraq to train local forces

10:40 pm on 19 April 2018

The seventh contingent of Defence Force troops is on its way to Iraq to train local forces.

NZDF troops deploy to Iraq from Ohakea Air Force Base.

NZDF troops deploy to Iraq from Ohakea Air Force Base. Photo: NZDF

About 100 personnel flew out from the RNZAF base at Ohakea on Thursday afternoon.

Since the mission began in 2015, New Zealand and Australia have trained nearly 34,000 soldiers.

The Defence Force said it had helped Iraqi's forces to become self-reliant and confident.

It said some of those trained had helped reclaim parts of Iraq from Islamic State.