Spain has discreetly withdrawn its special operations forces from Iraq following a significant decline in security conditions that rendered continued military operations unsafe, according to a Sunday
confirmation from the Spanish Ministry of Defense. The country maintains approximately 300 military personnel in Iraq participating in the United States-led coalition focused on combating ISIS.
The specialized task force had been conducting training operations with Iraqi counter-terrorism forces in Baghdad and at military installations located in northern regions under Kurdish
administration. Spanish officials indicated that the Special Operations Task Group was transferred to undisclosed secure facilities after circumstances deteriorated to a point where collaborative training exercises with Iraqi military units became impossible to execute safely.
The destination of the relocated commandos remains undisclosed, though Turkey emerges as a potential safe haven considering that even American military installations in Jordan have experienced attacks from Iranian ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
American facilities throughout Iraq face ongoing attacks from Iranian-backed militia organizations operating within the country. These assaults have included a weekend drone strike on the United States Embassy in Baghdad, prompting a widespread evacuation of Western coalition military personnel.
The Spanish military withdrawal follows closely after a fatal drone attack that occurred Thursday at a French military installation near Erbil, resulting in the death of Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion and injuries to multiple French service members. The Mala Qara facility, situated several dozen miles southwest of Erbil, was struck by an Iranian-manufactured Shahed drone.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the assault as
“unacceptable,” emphasizing that French military forces maintain a strictly counter-terrorism mandate focused on combating ISIS. Macron stated that the conflict involving Iran does not justify such attacks against French personnel.
Italy has similarly commenced a quiet withdrawal of military personnel from Iraq, with Prime Minister Meloni effectively communicating that her nation does not view the conflict between the United States and Iran as Italy’s responsibility. Recent reporting confirms that Italy has initiated the pullback of troops stationed throughout the region.
The Italian defense ministry verified that soldiers stationed at an Erbil base in Iraq’s Kurdistan territory were being evacuated as security circumstances continued to worsen. Prior to the current escalation, the installation housed over 300 Italian military personnel. Approximately 100 of these troops have already returned to Italian territory, while roughly 40 others have been repositioned to Jordan as part of the strategic relocation effort.
The decision to expedite the withdrawal was triggered by a drone strike that impacted the Erbil base, underscoring the escalating dangers facing foreign military forces operating throughout the region as hostilities expand. Italian personnel sustained no injuries during that particular attack. Italian government officials explained that the relocation was primarily designed to safeguard personnel amid the deteriorating regional security environment.
Italian forces are anticipated to maintain at least a minimal presence throughout the broader region. Meloni has highlighted that tens of thousands of Italian citizens reside across the Middle East and Gulf territories, while approximately 2,000 Italian troops remain deployed across various missions in the area. She has clarified that protecting those civilians and military personnel remains a paramount objective, while simultaneously asserting that Italy cannot participate as a party to the ongoing conflict.
These withdrawals represent a significant shift in the European military presence in Iraq, as coalition partners reassess their positions amid escalating regional tensions and direct threats to their forces from Iranian-backed groups operating with increasing boldness throughout Iraqi territory.