NATO defense ministers intend to expand the alliance's training mission in Iraq once the COVID-19 pandemic weakens, Reuters reported referring to high-ranking officials and diplomats.

The ministers intend to agree on plans on Thursday during a videoconference, which could increase the size of the mission from the current maximum of 500 people to about 4,000-5,000, four diplomats said.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said earlier that he expects defense ministers to agree to an expanded mission. The mission will gradually expand, depending on the situation, he said.

Since October 2018, NATO has had a non-combat training and advisory mission in Baghdad but plans to expand it have been delayed in part due to COVID-19, as well as concerns over regional stability following a US drone strike. in Baghdad, Iranian general Qassem Soleimani was killed.

The NATO mission only trains and advises Iraqi security personnel and forces under the direct control of the Iraqi government.