French Soldier Killed, Others Hurt in Iraq Attack, Says Macron

A French soldier was killed and several others were wounded in an attack targeting French troops in northern Iraq, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.

The incident took place in Iraq’s Kurdistan region and highlights the security risks faced by international forces stationed in the Middle East.

French authorities said the attack occurred near the city of Erbil, where French troops are deployed as part of the international coalition supporting Iraq in the fight against the remaining fighters of the Islamic State group.

Initial reports indicated that drone attack targeted a military base where coalition personnel were operating alongside Iraqi security forces.

• French soldier killed in Iraq drone attack near Erbil
• Macron condemns attack on French forces in Kurdistan
• France to continue counterterrorism mission in Iraq

The French presidency identified the soldier who died as Corporal Arnaud Fréon and said he “died for France during an attack in Erbil.” Several other French soldiers were injured in the strike and received medical treatment. Officials did not immediately release details about the seriousness of their injuries.

Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the soldier’s family and fellow service members. He said France remains committed to its mission in Iraq, where its forces are deployed to assist Iraqi security forces and support operations aimed at preventing the return of extremist groups.

France has several hundred troops stationed in Iraq as part of the international coalition formed to fight the Islamic State after the group seized large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014. Although the group lost its territorial control in later military operations, militant cells remain active in parts of the region.

Security concerns continue for coalition forces operating in Iraq and Syria. Military bases hosting foreign troops have periodically been targeted by drones and rockets launched by armed groups. Such attacks have increased during periods of Middle East tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Officials said an investigation is underway to determine who carried out the attack and whether it was launched by an armed militia group operating in the region.

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Macron said France will continue its counterterrorism mission in Iraq and maintain support for Iraqi forces as they work to prevent the resurgence of extremist organizations.