Special Operations Tactical Group XXIII continues to cooperate with Iraq in the fight against Daesh

• In recent months, our military personnel have continued to provide Iraqi forces with high-level training and advisory support, thereby reaffirming their commitment to regional stability

The Spanish Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) remains deployed in Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the United States-led international coalition against Daesh. During January and February, the Spanish SOTG maintained a high operational tempo, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to regional stability and the fight against jihadist terrorism.

Members of the SOTG have continued to provide training and advisory support to the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (CTS), which constitutes a cornerstone in the neutralisation of residual terrorist cells and in preventing their re-emergence in high-risk areas.

The SOTG has conducted several Advanced Training Programmes (Programmes of Instruction – POI) for CTS units, all aimed at strengthening their tactical and technical capabilities in counter-terrorism environments.

As part of this ongoing support, land navigation courses, among others, have been conducted, enabling Iraqi operators to perfect their orientation and movement techniques in complex terrain and low visibility conditions.

In addition, under the Medic Programme, training was delivered in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), with an emphasis on stabilisation procedures under fire, massive haemorrhage control, airway management, and casualty evacuation in high-threat scenarios.

Other training cycles were also conducted, including the K9 Programme, focused on the operational employment of canine units; the Motorcycle Driving Programme, which included the tactical use of motorcycles in high-mobility scenarios; and, finally, the Sniper POI, which provided advanced instruction in long-range precision shooting, advanced observation techniques, ballistic calculations, camouflage, and target designation.

The activities carried out by the Spanish SOTG during the first months of 2026 demonstrates the continued relevance and of the Spanish Armed Forces' contribution to the International Coalition against DAESH. In this context, joint work with the CTS not only weakens the residual capabilities of jihadist terrorism, but also strengthens Iraq’s sovereignty and security.

Spain’s Participation in Iraq

Spain participates in the two international missions deployed in Iraq: the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) and Operation Inherent Resolve, led by the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, where Spain deploys a Special Operations Task Group (SOTG XXIII).

The NATO Mission Iraq aims to help strengthen Iraqi security forces and Iraqi military education institutions through training and advisory activities for Iraqi defence and security officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Advisor, as well as military schools and Iraqi military education institutions. NMI is a fully integrated civilian-military mission, designed to enhance the effectiveness of NATO efforts and maximise cooperation with other entities on the ground. It is noteworthy that Spain is currently the nation contributing the largest number of personnel to NMI.