SUPPORT TO IRAK IV

The mission of the “Extremadura” XI — third Spanish contingent of the “Inherent Resolve” operation — officially concluded last May 20th 2016 in Iraq with the TOA (transfer of authority) that took place at the “Gran Capitan” base (Besmayah).  The TOA was chaired by General Volesky (Land-component Coalition Chief). In this event, the Spanish brigade of the mission along with British and Portuguese military personnel, turned the command over “Castillejos” II.

During the TOA both, the International Coalition Representative and the 37th Brigade Iraqi Army Colonel, Abdul Hussein, emphasized the Spanish Army good work and the palpable progress of the trained Units.

Furthermore, Colonel, Abdul Hussein said that he felt the Spanish Army like “a brother” because, due to its help “the Iraqi Army will achieve, Allah willing, a final victory on the terrorism perpetrated by DAESH.” General Volesky said in his speech that the Units trained by the Spaniards “have not gone back an inch”. Now, the participants of the Brigade Castillejos” II take over in Besmayah to keep setting a high standard of the Spanish Army.

The Contingent (Cavalry Squadron “Castillejos” II) is composed on the Base of the Light Armored Cavalry Regiment “Lusitania” 8, whose Chief is the Colonel Pedro Vazquez de Prada Palencia at the same time Commander of the Spanish contingent deployed in Besmayah (Iraq). Other members of this contingent are other units of the “Castillejos” II, Logistic Support Group 11 and Healthcare Military Personnel and the Air Force.