Spanish military personnel deployed in Iraq deliver sports equipment donated by the Royal Spanish Football Federation

• The equipment has been delivered to Father José Manuel Martínez Gómez, parish priest of the Chaldean Church of Santa María del Rosario in Baghdad

Spanish military personnel from the contingent deployed in Iraq have delivered a donation of sports equipment from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), thus joining Spain's commitment to international cooperation, as well as promoting civic and social values through sport far beyond our borders.

The material was delivered to Father José Manuel Martínez Gómez, parish priest of the Chaldean Church of Santa María Reina del Rosario, located in Baghdad, which carries out renowned pastoral, educational and social work in the area. In addition to expressing his gratitude for this aid from Spain, Father Martínez pointed out that ‘this act of solidarity will enable us to support various community initiatives aimed at vulnerable children and young people, which also promotes social inclusion through sport.’

This donation is thanks to the generosity of the RFEF, but the Operations Command and the Spanish contingent of the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) also participated in its delivery, as part of the civil-military cooperation activities carried out in all missions and operations abroad. Together, they facilitated the transport, custody and management necessary to ensure that the donated material arrived in optimal condition at its final destination in Iraq, where it was delivered—on behalf of the Spanish mission—by Lieutenant Colonel Javier Veiga and the Spanish chaplain, Captain Abel.

From the operations zone, Spanish military personnel have publicly expressed their gratitude to the Royal Spanish Football Federation for its generosity and involvement in this type of project, which transcends mere sport, as it becomes a catalyst for social transformation and support for those who need it most. They also acknowledge the dedication of the Spanish priest, whose daily dedication and direct contact with local communities ensure that this donation will have a direct, useful and lasting impact.

Spain's participation in Iraq

Spain participates in the two international missions deployed in Iraq: the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) and Operation Inherent Resolve, led by the International Coalition to Fight Daesh, where Spain maintains a special operations group (SOTG XXII).

The NATO mission in Iraq aims to help strengthen Iraqi security forces and military education institutions by training and advising defence and security officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and Iraqi military schools and military education institutions. NMI fully integrates civilian and military personnel, with the aim of multiplying the effectiveness of NATO's efforts and maximising cooperation with other entities on the ground. It should be noted that, currently, the Spanish contingent provides the most personnel to NMI.