Drone Attack in Iraq Kills French Soldier, Targets Italian Base

In a drone attack in the Erbil and Makhmur region of northern Iraq on March 12, 2026, French Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion was killed and six other French soldiers were wounded. The death of the non-commissioned officer was confirmed by President Emmanuel Macron, indicating the incident occurred during an operation targeting remnants of ISIS structures. The attack came amid a sharp rise in regional tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The French contingent is stationed in the region as part of the international coalition fighting terrorism. Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion is the only fatal victim of this incident.

Simultaneously, the Italian military base Camp Singara, located near Erbil, became the target of a strike. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described this raid as a deliberate action, although no casualties or injuries among personnel were reported at the base itself. The base commander recounted the moment of the attack, describing the activation of alarm sirens, the evacuation of soldiers to bunkers, followed by a powerful blast and flames. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated she is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains in contact with the operational command. The Italian military presence in Iraq, including in the Kurdistan region, is part of the Prima Parthica mission, supporting local forces in the fight against jihadists. Erbil has repeatedly been the target of rocket and drone attacks attributed to pro-Iranian militias, especially during periods of heightened tensions on the Washington-Tehran line. Previous serious incidents involving Italian soldiers in Iraq occurred, among others, in Nasiriyah in 2003.

French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the strike, calling it an unacceptable act and declaring continued support for Iraq's stabilization. The French armed forces informed that the wounded soldiers received immediate medical assistance and their health condition is being monitored by military services. „Je condamne avec la plus grande fermeté cette attaque inacceptable. La France reste engagée aux côtés de ses partenaires pour lutter contre le terrorisme en Irak” (I condemn with the greatest firmness this unacceptable attack. France remains committed alongside its partners to fight terrorism in Iraq) — Emmanuel Macron via Reuters

The situation in Erbil remains tense, and a high level of security alert is maintained in coalition bases. Drone attacks on international bases in Iraq are viewed by analysts as part of a broader regional confrontation, where unmanned aerial vehicles are used for precision strikes on military infrastructure. Timeline of the Erbil Incident: March 12, 2026 — Drone Attack; March 12, evening — Italy's Reaction; March 13, morning — Victim Confirmed