New Spanish contingents in NATO and International Coalition missions in Iraq reach full operational capability

• After the different handover ceremonies, Spanish military personnel on international missions in Iraq are working in the service of national and regional security

Following the handover ceremonies for the three contingents deployed in the country: the Force Protection Unit of the NATO Mission in Iraq (UFP-AI) XXII, the National Support Element Iraq Support (NSE A/I) XXI and the Special Operations Group (SOTG) XXI of the International Coalition (Operation Inherent Resolve), the Spanish military are carrying out their different tasks at their respective bases.

At the UNION III base in Baghdad, two military events took place for the handover of national contingents. On the one hand, the UFP A/I XXI, under the command of Major Isabel Ruiz Villalba, handed over to the UFP A/I XXII, which is commanded by Major Raúl del Rey González. At the military ceremony, General José De Meer Madrid - head of the Spanish Contingent in Iraq, whose mission ends at the beginning of July - presided over the transfer of command between the two contingents. In his words, he thanked the outgoing unit for its work and dedication, while underlining his confidence in the UFP A/I XXII, whose commander, Major Del Rey, stressed that ‘it has all the capacity to continue guaranteeing the success of the mission in the region’.

In his speech, Commander Del Rey referred to the importance of international cooperation in the mission and the commitment of his unit to the security and well-being of the Iraqi population, as well as to the coalition allies; and concluded by reaffirming ‘his commitment to the continuity of the mission and to the values that guide the Spanish presence in Iraq’. To conclude the ceremony, the commanders exchanged the symbols of command, and reaffirmed the values and principles that guide the Spanish presence in Iraq: peace, security and the well-being of the local communities.

National Support Element NSE A/I XXI

The handover between the national support units was the second event held at the UNION III base. During the ceremony, Captain David Mora Castilla, assigned to the Cavalry Regiment ‘Montesa’ 3 (Ceuta), took over command as head of NSE A/ XXI, which - until now - had been under the command of Major Jose María Angulo Alonso. The ceremony was also presided over by General de Meer, who highlighted in his speech the commitment, professionalism and spirit of service of the personnel of this support unit: "You have been an essential pillar for the functioning of the contingent and the projection of Spain's image in this international mission. My most sincere thanks for your impeccable work". For his part, Captain Mora expressed his gratitude for the confidence placed in him and his team, and stressed that it was "an honour to take on this responsibility. Our objective will be to continue the excellent work of our predecessors, ensuring the logistical and operational support that the contingent needs to successfully carry out its duties. We know that the challenge is demanding, but we have the preparation, determination and spirit of service to meet it.

The NSE is an essential unit of the Spanish contingent deployed in Iraq, responsible for providing the administrative, logistical and technical support necessary to guarantee the correct functioning of the detachment within the framework of the International Coalition's mission. This mission, within the framework of the operation to support the Iraqi security forces, pursues the objective of consolidating stability and security in the region.

Special Operations Group SOTG XXII

Finally, the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC) hosted the transfer of command of the Spanish special operations units involved in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) of the International Coalition against Daesh. With this handover, presided over by Colonel Victor Rengel Ortega, NMI advisor, the Special Operations Group SOTG XXI, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Rubén Guerra Garlito, successfully completed its deployment, which began last November. During this period, Spanish military personnel have carried out tasks of assistance, advice, training, coaching and accompaniment to the Iraqi forces of the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), which has contributed significantly to improving their operational capacity, which has allowed them to keep the Daesh terrorist threat neutralised and thus strengthen regional security.

The relief has been assumed by the Special Operations Group SOTG XXII - led by Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Rodríguez Martínez - which will continue with the mission entrusted to it, with the objective of guaranteeing the continuity of the commitment of the Spanish Armed Forces to stability and peace in Iraq. This new contingent faces the challenge with the same professionalism and dedication that characterises special operations units, with the aim of reinforcing Spain's cooperation and prestige in the field of international security.