Operation "Prima Parthica": Training of Kurdish Forces against DAESH

In May 2025, the latest training cycle conducted by the Italian Army within the framework of Operation "Prima Parthica" was successfully completed, under the command of the Italian National Contingent Command Land (IT NCC LAND). This cycle saw the completion of eight specialized courses by 142 members of the Kurdish security forces - Peshmerga and Zeravani. The courses, lasting three weeks, focused on crucial topics such as close-quarters combat (CQB), tactical combat casualty care, tactical planning, and countering improvised explosive devices (C-IED), among others. The activity concluded with final exercises attended by the Defense Military Attaché in Iraq, Colonel Domenico Sermon.

Description of the "Prima Parthica" Mission

Operation "Prima Parthica" represents Italy's contribution within the international coalition against DAESH, participating in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). The mission's main objective is to support Iraqi security forces, particularly the Kurdish ones, to enhance their operational capabilities against terrorism, with a focus on fighting ISIS and managing threats from improvised explosive devices.

Launched in 2018, the mission includes training, advising, and assisting activities, as well as logistical support, to progressively make local security forces autonomous. Italian instructors, from various specialized units such as the Infantry School of Cesano and the C-IED Center of Excellence in Rome, are engaged in advanced training courses covering a wide range of operational skills.

The International Coalition

Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) is a multinational coalition involving 84 nations and 5 international organizations, including NATO, with the aim of countering global terrorism and definitively defeating DAESH. The operation began in 2014 and is based on Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows for collective self-defense, and on the United Nations Security Council Resolutions No. 2170 (2014) and No. 2178 (2014).

The forces participating in the Coalition come from a wide range of countries and organizations, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, Australia, and others. The Coalition has worked closely with the Iraqi government and local security forces, also supporting Kurdish forces, such as the Peshmerga, in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The main task of the Coalition has been to help local forces stabilize the country and increase their capacity to resist and fight against DAESH, limiting its operational capabilities and preventing the terrorist group from regaining power. The Coalition has also contributed to reconstruction and security support in Iraq, promoting long-term stabilization through strengthening local institutions and police forces.

Italy's Role in the Coalition

Italy is a key member of the international Coalition and, in addition to participating in training and advisory operations, has made a significant contribution in various sectors, including logistics, air transport, and healthcare. Italy, in fact, manages a large part of the logistical and healthcare infrastructure in Iraq, and also provides support to air operations with assets such as the F-2000A "Eurofighter" and MQ-9A "Predator" aircraft.

The Italian contingent operates in close collaboration with other Coalition members and has contributed to the training of about 48,000 Iraqi and Kurdish soldiers and police officers. Furthermore, Italy has assumed a leadership role within the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI), starting from 2022, which focuses on strengthening the country's defense capabilities while respecting its sovereignty.