Listin Diario reports that the 300 Dominican soldiers that were based in Iraq have already left that country and are temporarily stationed in Kuwait awaiting their transfer to the Dominican Republic. The contingent was part of a total of 600 men sent to Iraq to support the US war effort.
Late last month, President Mejia announced the withdrawal of the Dominican troops after Spain and Honduras decided to pull their troops out of Iraq. The Spanish commanded the Plus Ultra Brigade vigilance force that grouped both the Honduras and Dominican soldiers. President Mejia, who seeks to be reelected on 16 May, had said the Dominican troops would remain in Iraq to complete their mission at the end of June, but changed his mind when violence escalated in Iraq. Soto Jimenez said the troops would remain at a US base in Kuwait, and could return within the next 15 days.