Spain prepares to evacuate its military in Iraq due to the war

The Diplomat Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed on Wednesday that the evacuation and relocation of the Spanish contingent in Iraq will take place “in the coming days” following NATO’s decision to “adjust” its mission in the country for security reasons. According to the Europa Press news agency, Spain has decided to prepare the evacuation of Spanish military personnel deployed in Iraq due to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East caused by the US and Israeli offensive against Iran. Sources at the Ministry of Defense told the agency that the “temporary relocation” of the Special Operations Group (SOTG) troops began last Sunday “due to the impossibility of continuing to carry out their assigned tasks” and that the troops are now in “safe locations with no incidents reported.” The redeployment, they specified, was carried out in “close coordination” with Iraqi authorities and with the support of the international coalition fighting Daesh. Robles confirmed the upcoming evacuation this Wednesday during the first day of the 'Connected, Sustainable, and Intelligent Air Base' (BACSI) Technology Demonstration at the Albacete Air Maintenance Depot of the Los Llanos Air Base (Albacete), where she accompanied the King. In statements to the EFE news agency, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart reported this same Wednesday that the Alliance has decided to "adjust" its mission in Iraq because the safety of its personnel is "paramount." On March 13, a French soldier was killed and at least six others were wounded as a result of an Iranian attack on the Erbil military base in Iraq, where French forces have been participating in the fight against terrorism since 2015. This is the first European casualty since the outbreak of the conflict instigated by Israel and the US against Tehran. Around 180 Spanish military personnel are currently participating in the international coalition to train and equip Iraqi security forces in their fight against ISIS. These tasks are currently being carried out by Spanish instructors at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, where units of the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service (CTS) are being trained by members of the Coalition's Special Operations Task Force (SOTG). Also part of the Spanish contingent in Iraq are the military personnel belonging to Task Force Toro (Helicopter Unit) deployed at Al Asad Air Base, whose main mission is to provide air transport to Coalition troops, using Chinook and Cougar helicopters. In addition to their participation in Operation Inherent Resolve, the Spanish Armed Forces continue to support security and counterterrorism efforts in Iraq alongside allies in the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI). For this mission, Spain has deployed 178 personnel. Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero commanded this mission from May 2023, a position he held for a period of one year.

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