French Soldier Killed in Attack in Iraq

French President Condemns Attack on Kurdish Region of Northern Iraq

A French soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, has been killed in an attack in the Erbil region of northern Iraq, according to a statement from French President Emmanuel Macron. The incident occurred while Frion was stationed in the area as part of the international coalition against ISIL (ISIS).

Macron described the attack as “unacceptable” and stated that France’s presence in Iraq is strictly within the framework of the fight against terrorism. He also mentioned that several other soldiers were wounded during the attack, but did not provide further details.

French forces have been stationed in the region since 2015 as part of an international coalition against ISIL (ISIS). The French military has recently reported a drone attack on a military base in Iraq, which resulted in injuries to six soldiers. It is unclear whether these injured soldiers were the same individuals mentioned by Macron.

In response to the attack, Macron expressed his condolences to the families of the affected soldiers and stated that France stands by their side. The incident comes amid a widening conflict in the Middle East, with Iran-aligned armed groups claiming responsibility for several attacks on US interests and military bases.

Italy has also reported an overnight air strike on its military base in Erbil, which hosts NATO personnel, without any injuries reported. Macron’s statement was made after previously announcing plans to deploy additional air defense units to Cyprus amid the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera