Relief of Special Operations Group personnel deployed to Iraq

• The mission of these units is to provide essential support to the Iraqi government in training personnel to address terrorist threats within the country

The SOTG XXI (Special Operations Tactical Group) has relieved SOTG XX. Thus, SOTG XX, which deployed at the end of May, concludes its mission in Iraq.

During their deployment over the past six months, SOTG XX military personnel achieved significant progress in training Iraqi forces, contributing significantly to improving their operational capabilities and strengthening security in the country and, by extension, across the region.

After the official handover, held at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC), the Special Operations Group SOTG XXI will continue the assigned mission, thus guaranteeing the continuity of the Spanish Armed Forces' commitment to stability and peace in Iraq. This new contingent faces the challenge with the professionalism and dedication that characterises special operations units, with the aim of strengthening international cooperation.

The Head of SOTG XX emphasised that, after six months of mission in Iraq, this was ‘a good time to stop and reflect on the enormous effort, sacrifice and dedication that each of us has invested in this mission’, which has been carried out in a ‘challenging environment’. Then, he highlighted that the success ‘has not been a coincidence, but the fruit of the commitment, professionalism and dedication of all those who have been part of this deployment. Together, we have built something greater than the sum of our individualities: a cohesive, strong and determined team, capable of overcoming any obstacle.

Then, after acknowledging the efforts of the families, who ‘have endured the distance, the worry and the day-to-day difficulties with admirable strength’, he pointed out that the work of SOTG XX ‘leaves an indelible mark. We have contributed to the training and strengthening of our Iraqi friendly units, so that they are better prepared to face an enemy like Daesh.

Finally, he wished the military members of SOTG XXI the greatest of success and encouraged them to enjoy ‘this very important mission, be patient with our Iraqi friends, seize the opportunity to learn from our allies and, above all, enjoy doing what we do best: serving Spain’; at the same time he thanked the international military present at the handover ceremony for their collaboration and great support: ‘we are, he concluded, a very good example of how military units from different nations can become a single team that works together to accomplish the mission’.

Spanish Special Operations in the International Coalition

Within the framework of the International Coalition against Daesh (OIR), the Spanish special operations units are an essential support for the Iraqi government in the training of its personnel. Their mission consists of advising, assisting and training the Iraqi military in the fight against terrorist threats. In this way, the Spanish forces have contributed significantly to strengthening the tactical and combat capabilities of the Iraqi Counterterrorist Service, one of the most prominent forces in Iraq, which was established in 2003 with the goal of dealing with terrorist and extremist threats, mainly from Daesh.

The support provided by the Spanish Special Operations Group to this Iraqi unit has enhanced its operational capabilities, allowing these elite forces to execute more efficient counter-terrorist missions in a more autonomous and effective manner. This Spanish collaboration contributes not only to combating terrorism, which is the main objective of the OIR, but also to the stabilisation and reconstruction of Iraq, fostering a more stable and lasting security environment.