The Spanish Special Operations Unit and the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service strengthen capabilities in the fight against Daesh

• These training activities coincide with the national commemoration of “Victory over Daesh Day” in Iraq, which is celebrated on 10 December

The Special Operations Group (SOTG) XXIII in Iraq, commanded by Marine Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo Noval Martín, continues to collaborate and provide specialised training to Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) agents, within the framework of the International Coalition against Daesh.

In recent weeks, SOTG XXIII personnel have continued to support CTS operations to search for and capture Daesh members, while also providing training courses on working dogs for security tasks, explosives detection and operational support with the aim of improving the capabilities of the CTS.

At the same time, the Spanish special operations group has recently completed the latest training programme in unmanned aerial systems, which enables the CTS to improve its reconnaissance, surveillance and force protection capabilities with new pilots and operators, as well as strengthening its operational autonomy and resilience. It also continues to train Iraqi K9 canine teams, which were established at the CTS thanks to Spanish support.

These training activities have coincided with the celebration of ‘Victory over Daesh Day’, which commemorates the defeat of this jihadist group in Iraq every 10 December.

Despite the intense training work, the SOTG maintains its main effort in supporting the planning and monitoring of operations with the CTS in its fight against Daesh, guided by a commitment to regional stability, international security and support for Iraqi institutions in their long-term consolidation.

Spanish special operations in Iraq

Since 2014, Spain has maintained its ongoing commitment to Operation Inherent Resolve. Over the past ten years, various capabilities have been deployed, such as transport helicopters, and efforts have always focused on training and equipping Iraqi security forces, especially Iraqi counter-terrorism service (CTS) units.

In close cooperation with Iraqi forces, the aim is to train these soldiers to defeat the terrorist group, dismantle its infrastructure and shelters, cut off its sources of income and neutralise its militants.

In addition, Spain has military personnel stationed at the United States Central Command Headquarters (USCENTCOM), which directs OIR from Tampa, Florida (USA).

Simultaneously with Operation Inherent Resolve, the NATO Mission for Iraq (NMI) is also operating in Iraqi territory, focusing on advising the Iraqi Ministries of Defence and the Interior.