New Zealand military personnel in Iraq are "as safe as they can be", according to Winston Peters after Iran launched missiles on US air bases in Iraq today.
Up to 45 New Zealand military personnel work in non-combat training roles at Taji Military Complex in Iraq. The Government had already planned to withdraw all troops by June this year.
In a statement today Mr Peters - the acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister - says: “It is important to note that the missile attacks did not target Camp Taji and the Government has been informed that all New Zealand personnel are as safe as they can be in these developing circumstances."
Mr Peters called for "restraint" after the missile attacks, a retaliation by Iran against the US for the killing of their top general, Qassem Soleimani, last week.
“Now is the time for restraint and de-escalation, and for diplomacy to take over," he said.
“The Government is working actively with our partners through military and diplomatic channels, and we continue to keep the security situation under close review, including implications for our personnel,” Mr Peters said.
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