Launch of the operation ''Support to Iraq''

The first detachment of the contingent Spain is contributing to the “Support to Iraq” mission arrived in the field on 22 January. It is made up of around thirty “green berets” from the 3rd Special Operations Group “Valencia” who have already begun their task of training Iraqi soldiers in the techniques and procedures of Special Operations.

They are stationed at a US base in Baghdad, whilst the bulk of the contingent, made up of personnel from the Legion Brigade, will be posted at the Building Partner Capability site in Besmayah, not far from the capital. 200 legionnaires of the 4th Legion Regiment “Alejandro Farnesio”, the 3rd Legion Regiment “Don Juan de Austria”, the Field Artillery Group, the Logistic Group and the Sappers Battalion will work at the base training the Iraqi infantry regiment they have been assigned.

The Spanish soldiers will be arriving throughout February in several installments. As well as the training, they will be charged with the security and protection of the personnel and the facilities, which will be prepared and outfitted by a unit of the Engineers Command. The Protection Unit will be equipped with reconnaissance and explosive deactivation equipment as well as a Raven mini-UAV.

The Spanish soldiers in Baghdad will be living with others from different countries (Germany, Australia, the US, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Norway). The base will be both their home and place of work for the mission duration. In addition, six more Spanish soldiers are deployed at the operational HQs in Baghdad and Kuwait City.