Spain will move its troops stationed in Iraq in the coming days due to escalating security risks linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Wednesday.
Around 300 Spanish soldiers are currently deployed in Iraq, participating in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State under Operation Inherent Resolve, as well as a separate NATO mission that has been advising Iraqi forces since 2018.
Robles said the relocation is a precautionary measure as the conflict—now in its third week—continues to expand across the region. However, she did not specify where the troops would be moved.
Earlier, Spain had already temporarily redeployed a special forces unit of 71 soldiers, citing operational difficulties, including the inability to continue training Iraqi counter-terrorism units.
The widening conflict has prompted broader international concern. Spain has criticized the military campaign and taken the additional step of restricting U.S. aircraft from using jointly operated bases in southern Spain.
Other NATO allies, including Germany and Norway, are also reducing their military presence in the region. Germany has withdrawn troops from Lebanon and the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, while Norway has begun relocating some of its personnel.
The situation remains volatile. A recent drone attack in northern Iraq killed one French soldier and injured six others, underscoring the growing خطر faced by foreign troops deployed in the المنطقة.