‘ZERO’, The Spanish special operations dog deployed in Irak

• As part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the Spanish Special Operations Task Group has included the training of dogs in its cooperation and support to the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS)

In 2017, the Spanish Special Operational Command began developing a new capability: training dogs to detect explosives and neutralize a wide range of threats, which has, since then, expanded its scope of tasks. These dogs now form the K9 Operational Team, which has been deployed to Iraq to support the Counter-Terrorism Service in its fight against Daesh. This cooperation has intensified, and for the past two years, the CTS has had its own K9 Training Center, which reflects the sacrifice and ongoing work of the dogs and their handlers.

The first step in this process was taken by the dog Zero, who was integrated into the Special Operations Task Group XVII between November 2022 and May 2023. His work caught the interest of General Haidar, the commander of the 2^nd  Iraqi Special Operations Force of the CTS, who wanted to implement this capability within his unit.

From that day forward, the development of the new concept of canine employment began in Iraq, with the establishment of the K9 Training Center and the selection of four puppies to train them in these capabilities: Diesel, Norte, Max, and León. This center has constructed new facilities that aim to accommodate up to 20 combat-trained dogs.

Currently, as in Spain, these dogs not only perform their traditional role but also undertake tactical tasks, carrying equipment such as cameras, flashlights, lasers, and markers, and acting as communication nodes in tactical links, expanding their capabilities on the battlefield. This approach strengthens the capability of special operations while optimizing mission safety and effectiveness.

Zero’s Second Deployment in Iraq Now, in his second deployment to Iraq, Zero is part of Special Operations Task Group XXI (from November 2024 to May 2025). He is a special operations intervention dog, specialized in explosive detection and capable of identifying various types of substances.

However, his distinctive capability is that he can be directed and operate over great distances — more than one kilometer — using radio, drones, or lasers. His harness and helmet are equipped with cameras that allow his team to receive real-time images of the situation and operate with precision in hostile environments. Through radio, the K9 receives orders to begin his task, whether searching for explosives or neutralizing threats. This enables the mission to be carried out without exposing the human team to the dangers of these zones.

The integration of K9s and their capabilities into special operations highlights the technological and tactical advancements in the utilization of K9 teams (handler + K9).