Handover of the Force Protection Unit and National Support Element of Operation Support Iraq in Baghdad

•  With this change of command, Spain reaffirms its commitment to stability in Iraq and its participation in international missions within the framework of NATO

Two Spanish units deployed in the Iraq Support Operation (A/I) at Union III base in Baghdad have handed over command. On the one hand, Lieutenant Colonel Javier Veiga Gasalla, head of the Force Protection Unit (UFP) A/I XXII, has handed over command to Lieutenant Colonel Juan Álvaro Rodríguez Rodríguez, who leads the UFP A/I XXIII. For his part, Major Carlos Estebaranz Navarro has taken over from Captain David Mora Castilla of the National Support Element (NSE) of the Spanish contingent.

The military ceremony was presided over by General Pedro Miguel Sebastián de Erice Llano, head of the Spanish contingent in Iraq and Chief of Defence of NATO Mission Iraq (NMI). General Christophe Hintzy, head of the NMI, also attended. The handover took place in an atmosphere steeped in symbolism and professionalism, highlighting the work of both units within the framework of the international peace and security mission in the region.

During his speech, Lieutenant Colonel Rodríguez expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and highlighted the work carried out by UFP A/I XXII under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Veiga. He then emphasised ‘the importance of international cooperation in the mission and his unit's commitment to the security and well-being of the Iraqi people, as well as to the coalition allies’. He also highlighted the work carried out during the preparation and the spirit of sacrifice of the contingent's members in solidarity with the Iraqi people.

For his part, Major Estebaranz, in addition to expressing his gratitude for the welcome given to NSE XXII, reaffirmed his commitment to the mission. "NSE XXIII is aware of the challenges ahead, which will be tackled with effort and dedication. In this regard, our predecessors have been a great example to us. Therefore, we approach our mission with enthusiasm and commitment. We will put all our effort, willingness and enthusiasm into always fulfilling any assigned task in the most effective and efficient manner."

The event finished with a military ceremony in which the symbols of command were handed over and the values and principles guiding Spain's presence in Iraq were reaffirmed: peace, security and the well-being of local communities.

With this handover, Spain reaffirms its commitment to stability in Iraq and its participation in international missions within the framework of NATO, contributing significantly to the reconstruction and development of the region.

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 XXIII).

NATO's mission in Iraq aims to help strengthen Iraqi security forces and military education institutions by training and advising Iraqi 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.