Spain to Relocate 300 Troops from Iraq Over Security Risks

Spain announced plans Wednesday to evacuate and relocate approximately 300 troops stationed in Iraq over the coming days, citing heightened security risks from the escalating conflict in Iran and the broader Gulf region. Defence Minister Margarita Robles made the statement in Madrid, emphasizing the need to protect personnel amid deteriorating conditions that have halted training missions with Iraqi forces.

The troops are deployed as part of two international efforts: the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group, established in 2015 under Operation Inherent Resolve, and a NATO mission launched in 2018 to advise Iraqi government forces. On Sunday, the Spanish Defence Ministry confirmed that a special operations task group of 71 soldiers had already been temporarily moved from their bases in Baghdad and Kurdish-controlled areas in northern Iraq. Officials described the relocation as necessary because the security situation made it impossible to continue counterterrorism training with Iraqi units. All personnel remain safe, though the ministry did not disclose their new locations.

The decision follows a U.S.-Israeli military offensive against Iran that entered its third...