Drone Attack Wounds French Soldiers in Iraq

On March 12, 2023, six French soldiers were wounded in a drone attack targeting a joint base used by French and Peshmerga forces in the Makhmour area of northern Iraq. The attack occurred late in the evening, with the French army confirming that the soldiers were providing counter-terrorism training to Iraqi partners at the time. The injured personnel were promptly evacuated to the nearest medical facility, although details regarding the nature of their injuries were not disclosed.

ReutersDaily MailDrone attack wounds six French soldiers at joint base near MakhmourThe Jerusalem Post

This incident is part of a broader escalation in drone and missile attacks on U.S. and allied interests in Iraq, which have intensified over the past few days. Iraqi Shi'ite militants, particularly those aligned with Iran, have been implicated in these attacks, which have targeted military installations, diplomatic facilities, and other sites across the region. The Kurdistan Region has reportedly experienced over 200 such attacks since the onset of the current conflict on February 28, 2023.

Reuters

Erbil Governor Omed Koshnaw stated that the drone attack specifically targeted the Makhmour base, confirming that no Peshmerga forces were harmed during the incident. He criticized the Iraqi government's response to the increasing violence, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the actions of militant groups. The French military has not yet identified the origin of the drone used in the attack.

Drone attack wounds six French soldiers at joint base near Makhmour

Critics, including Governor Koshnaw, have expressed frustration over the Iraqi government's handling of security in the region. He remarked, "If these outlaws are part of the Iraqi government, then they are responsible. If they are not, then their security apparatus has a duty of reining these groups in." This sentiment reflects a growing concern about the effectiveness of Iraqi authorities in managing the threats posed by militant groups.

Daily Mail

The drone attack on French soldiers underscores the precarious security situation in Iraq and the ongoing risks faced by international forces involved in counter-terrorism efforts. France has responded by deploying naval vessels, including an aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean and Red Sea as part of a broader strategy to support allies threatened by regional conflicts. The situation remains fluid, with potential repercussions for international military operations in the region.

Reuters

While multiple sources confirm the drone attack and the injuries sustained by French soldiers, there is some inconsistency regarding the details of the incident. Reports vary on the number of drones involved and the specific circumstances surrounding the attack. Additionally, the exact motivations behind the recent surge in attacks on coalition forces remain unclear, with various factions potentially involved.

Daily Mail

• “Today, six French soldiers providing counter-terrorism training to Iraqi partners were wounded after a drone attack in the Erbil region of Iraq,” — French Army Statement

The Jerusalem Post

• “'This is all the movement of the terrorist militias in Iraq and we reiterate that the Iraqi government are not taking it seriously,' Mr Koshnaw said.” — Omed Koshnaw, Erbil Governor

Daily Mail

• “'If these outlaws are part of the Iraqi government, then they are responsible.” — Omed Koshnaw, Erbil Governor

Daily Mail