Special Operations collaborate with Iraqi units in consolidating security and fighting terrorism

•  After its first few months in the area, SOTG XXII continues to support the training of Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) units

The Spanish Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) XXII, as part of the International Coalition against Daesh, trains and supports Iraqi units belonging to the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) to consolidate security and prevent the resurgence of terrorist cells in the country.

In recent days, the SOTG has participated in several operations against Daesh carried out by CTS units. In these operations, it has provided assistance in planning and during on-field execution.

In addition, the Spanish unit has acted as an “umbilical cord” between the Coalition and the CTS, providing air support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and other special operations capabilities, which are essential to ensure the mission is accomplished while minimising the risk to the force involved.

The actions carried out aim to limit the freedom of movement of the remaining terrorist cells in the region, thereby preventing them from sustaining themselves, reorganising or attacking. To this end, the caves they use as safe havens have been destroyed and the explosives protecting the entrances have been deactivated.

After its first few months in the area of operations in Iraq, the SOTG XXII, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Rodríguez Martínez, remains committed to Spain's support for the Iraqi nation in consolidating stability and defeating jihadist terrorism.

The Iraqi CTS authorities have in many occasions publicly expressed their gratitude to the Spanish Special Operations Units that have since 2015 provided support and collaboration in the fight against Daesh in Iraq.

CTS training

In addition to providing operational support, the SOTG XXII trains Iraqi CTS units in information exploitation, as well as in many other areas. To achieve maximum performance, Spanish military personnel carry out their duties within Iraqi bases, where they interact on a daily basis with their Iraqi counterparts in an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie. This approach concurrently reduces movements and logistical requirements for the Spanish forces.

The training covers all areas of combat including some as complex and technical as K9 units. In fact, given the importance of the work conducted by Spanish military personnel in this area, Iraqi K9 units give orders to their dogs in Spanish language.

Summarising, the work of the SOTG in the Coalition, through its ongoing support in training and the development of operations, has been a key factor in enabling the CTS to maintain security throughout Iraq today.