Iraqi government forces working alongside Kurdish fighters launched an offensive early morning to take over the city of Mosul from the extremist group Islamic State.
Finnish soldiers stationed in northern Iraq will continue to train Kurdish fighters in the region and act as military advisers. According to the Finnish Defence Force, the Finns will not play an active role in the conflict.
"The same work will continue as before, now that Mosul has come under attack," Defence Force operations chief Petri Hulkko told Yle.
Hulkko said that according to his information, the role of the Kurdish forces in the operation would primarily be to prepare the ground Iraqi army as it moved on Mosul.
DF: No combat for Finnish forces
He stressed that Finnish troops in the area would not engage in any combat in Iraq. He said however that they were well-equipped and prepared to ensure their own safety.
"However there may be an exchange of fire. It’s important to ensure that they don’t end up in a situation where they are caught in the crossfire," Hulkko added.
The officer said that in his view Finnish soldiers in Afghanistan are in a more dangerous situation that their colleagues in Iraq.
Current legislation does not allow Finland to engage in military action overseas. The parliament is currently considering a bill that allow the country to provide military assistance in certain circumstances.
Defence Minister Jussi Niinistö has pointed out that current statutes prevented Finland from providing assistance to France in the wake of last year's terror attacks in Paris.
Finland increases contingent in Iraq
Finnish troops began their tour of duty as military advisers to Kurdish forces at the beginning of September. The group of 50 advisors was mostly made up of Defence Force soldiers. The contingent also included some reservists.
Following a decision by government earlier in the spring, a new mission increased the complement of Finnish forces in the area to 100. And previously, another 50-member group had been training Kurds at a base behind the front.
The military advisers face greater danger in their mission than training officers, because they are also required to be at the front.
Finland is part of a US-led international coalition of more than 60 countries – including EU members and the Nordic states - providing support to Iraqi forces.