The Director of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service pays an official visit to Spain

•  During his time in Madrid, General Al-Tamimi signed a Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Defence

Lieutenant General Karim Aboud Al-Tamimi, Director of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS), has paid an official visit to Spain. In addition to visits to various Defence Staff Units, his schedule of activities includes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service at the Ministry of Defence.

This counter-terrorism training memorandum marks a significant milestone in Spain's commitment to regional and global stability and security. The agreement ensures the ongoing support of Spain in Iraq, where the International Coalition's Operation Inherent Resolve against Daesh is set to conclude its operations by September 2026. It will also provide legal certainty and stability for the advisory and support activities of the Spanish military in Iraq.

The signing of this memorandum, which addresses such a sensitive and strategic issue, underlines the importance of Iraq for Spain and demonstrates, once again, the Spanish commitment to global institutions and security.

The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence. The document was signed by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CHOD), Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón, and the Iraqi Director of Intelligence and Counterterrorism, General Karim Aboud Mohammed al-Tamimi. Attendees included the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Iraqi Ambassador to Spain, Salih Husain Ali Ali.

In a context where international missions are being reconfigured, Spain firmly believes in multilateralism as the most effective way of addressing the current security challenges. Currently Spain plays a leading role in Iraq through the NATO Mission Iraq, which will be led by Spanish Lieutenant General Ramón Armada from May onwards. This agreement will allow the Spanish forces to reorganise into a more flexible and efficient structure, enabling them to adapt to any operational challenges that may arise. It will also strengthen cooperation between the two countries' defence industries.

During his visit, Lieutenant General Al-Tamimi seized the opportunity to tour the facilities of several defence industry companies. 

During his visit to Madrid, the Director of the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service toured various Defence Staff units at the Retamares Base. He also held several working meetings at the Defence Staff Headquarters with the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral General Teodoro E. López Calderón, the Chief of the Joint Staff, Lieutenant General José Antonio Herrera Llamas and other senior officers.