Fiji ends UN mission in Iraq, national celebration set for December 22nd

Cabinet has approved a national celebration on the 22nd of this month to honour the successful withdrawal of the First Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (1FIR) from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), marking the end of Fiji’s military engagement in the region.The event will recognise the service and sacrifices of the soldiers, as well as the support provided by their families and communities throughout the deployment.Fiji has been an active contributor to UN peacekeeping operations since 1978, deploying soldiers to conflict zones including Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Golan Heights (UNDOF), South Sudan (UNMISS), and East Timor (UNMISET).The First Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment’s deployment to UNAMI began as part of Fiji’s long-standing commitment to global peace and security.In December 2024, the final batch of 1FIR personnel was deployed to Iraq as the UN prepared to wind down its mission.Their safe and successful withdrawal in December 2025 marked the conclusion of Fiji’s involvement in UNAMI.