Spain has temporarily relocated its special forces from Iraq amid growing security concerns, the Spanish Ministry of Defence announced Sunday. The move follows a fatal drone strike on a French base near Erbil.
The Special Operations Task Group, which trains Iraqi counter-terrorism units, was moved to secure locations after threats made operations unsafe. All personnel are accounted for and safe.
The decision comes after an Iranian-made Shahed drone killed French Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, 42, and injured others at a base southwest of Erbil. France condemned the attack as 'unacceptable.'
Italy also evacuated troops from Camp Singara near Erbil International Airport after a separate drone incident. No Italian soldiers were hurt.
Spain has maintained a military presence in Iraq since 2015 under Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led coalition against the Islamic State group.