Events in Iraq have once again drawn Spaniards’ attention to the security of European troops abroad. The drone attack on a French base in Erbil, where Kurdish forces were being trained, has sent an alarming signal to EU countries, including Spain, that are involved in international missions. The incident highlights the vulnerability of military facilities even under strict security measures and could prompt a reassessment of how to protect personnel in such operations.
Attack at the base
On Thursday evening, a drone strike targeted the French military base in Erbil, located in northern Iraq. Six French soldiers were injured and one was killed in the attack. According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the deceased was non-commissioned officer Arnaud Frion from the 7th Alpine Rifle Battalion. The French troops were stationed at the base as part of a mission to train Kurdish units in counterterrorism operations.
As noted by LCI, soldiers from other countries, including Italy, were also present at the base. The governor of Erbil, Omed Khoshnaw, stated that the French soldiers’ injuries were minor; four were taken to hospital. No casualties were reported among the Kurdish forces. The French General Staff confirmed the incident, while regional authorities specified that the base is located between Erbil and Mosul, near Makhmur, where clashes with Iran-backed Shia groups have been reported in recent days.
Response and aftermath
The President of France called the incident unacceptable and emphasized that the presence of French troops in Iraq is solely related to the fight against the terrorist group Daesh. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and offered support to all members of the mission. This incident marks the third attack on European bases since the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East began.
The Italian Ministry of Defense also reported a drone crash at its base in Erbil on the same day; however, there were no casualties among Italian troops. According to Rudaw, at least five people have died and another 24 have been injured in similar attacks in the Kurdistan region since the end of February. These events are occurring against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, which is impacting the security of foreign military personnel in the region.
Context and new challenges
The base that came under attack is located in a strategically important area where the interests of various armed groups intersect. In recent weeks, clashes have been reported between Kurdish forces and Iran-backed Shiite formations near Erbil and Mosul. This poses additional risks for European troops involved in training and supporting local units.
According to russpain.com, such incidents may lead to a review of security measures at overseas bases and increased airspace control. The issue of future European involvement in Middle Eastern missions is once again under discussion amid growing threats from unmanned systems and instability in the region.
In recent years, attacks on military bases using drones have become more frequent. In March 2026, the British base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, was also targeted, sparking debate in European media. Similar incidents have been recorded in Syria and Jordan, where international forces have faced threats from various armed groups. These events highlight the ongoing need to improve defense systems and information sharing among allies.
