NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg delivers a speech during a visit to Iraq on March 5, 2018 (Photo: VNA)

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Baghdad on Monday, the NATO chief said the troops will stay no longer than necessary, but will train as long as necessary to make sure IS does not reemerge. Stoltenberg said NATO is scaling up its training in countering improvised explosive devices, military medicine, maintenance of equipment, and several areas. They are also planning to help Iraq establish military schools and academies. 

Stoltenberg’s statement came a few days after the Iraqi parliament asked the government to draw up a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign troops. In October 2014, the US established an anti-terrorism alliance that includes NATO to help Iraqi forces fight IS.