Iraqi prime minister vows action after French soldier killed in drone attack

Friday 13 March 2026 - 19:00

Iraq’s prime minister has pledged to take firm measures to prevent further attacks after a drone strike killed a French soldier and injured several others involved in international counterterrorism operations.

The attack took place on the evening of March 12 and targeted a group of soldiers participating in efforts to combat extremist organizations in the region. According to officials, one French serviceman lost his life while six other soldiers were wounded in the incident.

Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani expressed solidarity with France during a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Iraqi leader assured that authorities would open an investigation into the attack and work to strengthen security measures aimed at protecting coalition forces operating in the country.

Leaders in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region also reacted strongly. Nechirvan Barzani, president of the autonomous Kurdish region, condemned the strike and called on the central government in Baghdad to take decisive steps against armed groups operating outside state authority.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of international troops deployed in Iraq as part of missions aimed at preventing the resurgence of extremist movements. Iraqi authorities have reiterated their commitment to cooperating with international partners to ensure stability and security across the country.