EU launches expert mission to Iraq with its civilian security strategy

The EU on Tuesday approved sending an expert mission to Baghdad to help Iraq with its civilian security strategy.

A team of 35 specialists led by a senior German police officer will provide advice and assistance to the authorities as they seek to tackle terrorism and corruption.

The mission will have an initial budget of 14 million euros for the year, the EU said in a statement after a meeting of the bloc's 28 foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

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"The mission will work in close coordination with the EU delegation to Iraq as well as international partners also present, including the UN Development Programme (UNDP), NATO and the global coalition against Daesh", the statement said, using another name for the Islamic State group.

The announcement came as Iraqi forces launched a major military operation in Kirkuk province amid a deepening crisis between Baghdad and the country's Kurds.