Macron Condemns Drone Attack in Iraq That Killed French Officer

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, has strongly condemned a deadly drone attack in northern Iraq that killed a French officer and injured several soldiers in the Erbil region.

According to the French military, six French soldiers who were stationed in the region to provide counter-terrorism training were wounded in the drone strike. The attack occurred on Thursday and targeted forces involved in operations against extremist groups.

In a statement shared on social media, Macron confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion lost his life in the attack, describing him as a soldier who “died for France.” He also said several other French troops were injured during the incident.

Macron called the attack “unacceptable,” noting that French forces have been operating in Iraq since 2015 as part of the international coalition fighting the extremist group Islamic State (ISIS).

“The presence of our soldiers in Iraq is strictly to combat terrorism,” Macron said, adding that ongoing regional tensions should not be used to justify attacks on international forces.

The exact origin of the drone used in the strike has not yet been confirmed. However, Iraqi security sources have reported an increase in drone and missile attacks by Shi’ite militant groups targeting U.S. and allied interests in Iraq over the past several days.

Omed Koshnaw, Governor of Erbil, stated that the drone attack took place in the Makhmour area near the city.

The incident came shortly after another strike targeted an Italian military base in Iraqi Kurdistan. The Italian Ministry of Defence said the airstrike appeared deliberate and targeted a facility hosting NATO personnel.

Meanwhile, France has increased its military readiness in the region. The country has deployed around a dozen naval vessels, including an aircraft carrier strike group, to strategic waters such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and potentially the Strait of Hormuz to support allies amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The broader regional conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has now entered its second week. The ongoing war has already caused thousands of deaths, displaced millions of people, and created significant uncertainty in global financial markets.

French officials say their forces in Iraq will continue their mission to support the fight against terrorism despite the recent attack.