The urgent evacuation of Spanish troops from Iraq has become one of the most discussed events in recent days. The decision to withdraw the contingent is linked to a sharp deterioration of the situation in the region and a direct threat to the safety of Spanish military personnel. For Spain, this is not only a matter of protecting its citizens but also an important signal of a reassessment of the country’s involvement in international military missions, which may affect relations with allies and alter Madrid’s strategy in the Middle East.
Operation Under Fire
According to El Pais, about one hundred Spanish troops have already left Iraqi territory. Most of them are special operations instructors who were part of the US-led coalition against Daesh (ISIS). These personnel were transferred to Turkey over the past weekend. Another 42 people were evacuated overnight on Monday, with the operation taking place under constant attack, forcing the Spaniards to take shelter in bunkers while waiting for a safe flight out. One of the planes designated for evacuation was unable to land because of shelling, further highlighting the complexity and danger of the mission.
Those evacuated last night were part of the NATO mission training Iraqi forces (NMI), whose operations have been temporarily suspended by the Alliance. According to El Pais, about 350 mission military personnel remain in Baghdad, including approximately 200 Spanish citizens. Their evacuation is planned for the coming hours, although the timeline depends on the operational situation and threat level. The operation is coordinated with military forces from the US, France, and Italy, and two Spanish military aircraft are already stationed in Turkey to support the withdrawal, with another plane ready for takeoff if necessary.
International cooperation
The situation around the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq has become a subject of high-level discussion among NATO countries. Spain is working closely with its allies to ensure the safety of its citizens and minimize risks to personnel. According to russpain.com, such operations require not only technical preparation but also a high degree of diplomatic coordination, especially amid instability and the threat of further attacks.
In recent weeks, Madrid has already demonstrated caution regarding overseas military involvement. For example, Spain’s possible participation in a mission in the Strait of Hormuz was recently discussed, but the authorities decided to take a wait-and-see approach, demanding clear guarantees and specific terms from partners. For more information on why Spain is in no hurry to send its ships to the conflict zone, see the article on Madrid’s cautious stance on Hormuz.
A test for defense
The Spanish Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the evacuation is taking place under rapidly changing conditions, with the situation on the ground shifting literally every hour. Any delay could lead to new risks, so all decisions are made as quickly as possible. In case the situation worsens, additional measures are in place, including deploying reserve aircraft and expanding coordination with international partners. According to El Pais, the operation involves top logistics and security specialists, raising the prospects of a successful mission.
At the same time, some experts believe that such a large-scale and swift evacuation could set a precedent for other countries whose military personnel are also in high-risk areas. Spain demonstrates its readiness to act decisively to protect the lives and safety of its citizens, even if this means reconsidering previous international commitments.
Context and consequences
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced the need for swift military withdrawals from conflict zones. Such operations took place, for example, in Afghanistan and Mali, where the situation also quickly spiraled out of control. Each time, these decisions were accompanied by difficult negotiations with allies and internal debates over the appropriateness of continued participation in international missions. Now, the situation in Iraq once again forces Madrid to weigh its commitments to allies against national security. In the coming days, it will become clear how Spain’s role in international military operations will change and what lessons will be drawn from this experience.
