Spain temporarily relocated its special forces from Iraq — deployed to combat the IS extremist group — due to deteriorating security, but defence officials say all personnel remain safe.
Spain has temporarily relocated its special forces from Iraq citing deteriorating security and the inability to carry out operations safely, the Spanish Ministry of Defence announced on Sunday.
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The Special Operations Task Group was moved to secure locations after the security situation made it impossible to continue its training missions with Iraqi forces, the ministry said. All personnel are safe, according to officials.
Spain deploys approximately 300 military personnel in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the so-called Islamic State group (IS). The SOTG trains Iraqi counter-terrorism units in Baghdad and at bases in Kurdish-controlled areas.
The ministry did not specify where the forces were relocated.
The decision followed Thursday's fatal drone attack on a French military base near Erbil that killed Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, 42, and wounded other French soldiers.
An Iranian-made Shahed drone struck the Mala Qara facility approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Erbil.
President Emmanuel Macron called the attack "unacceptable" and said French forces were deployed strictly for counter-terrorism operations against the IS. "The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks," he said.
Italy also evacuated personnel from Camp Singara near Erbil International Airport after a drone struck the base last week. No Italian troops were injured.
Spain has maintained a continuous presence in Iraq since 2015 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led coalition formed to combat the IS.
The SOTG rotates every six months and comprises operators from the army's Special Operations Command, the navy's Special Naval Warfare Force and the air force's Parachute Engineer Regiment.