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French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Friday that a French soldier was killed and several others were wounded in an attack in Iraq’s Erbil region, calling the strike “unacceptable” as tensions spread across the wider Middle East conflict.
Macron identified the soldier as Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins from Varces. He noted that the attack targeted French forces deployed in Iraq as part of France’s anti-Daesh mission.
"Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins from Varces died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq," Macron wrote in a post on X.
"To his family, to his brothers in arms, I want to express all the affection and solidarity of the Nation," he added.
Macron also said several French soldiers were wounded in the attack. Some reports claimed that several soldiers were injured, while earlier reports said at least seven French soldiers were hurt in a drone strike. Another report said six French soldiers were wounded.
Macron stated the French military presence in Iraq is limited to counterterrorism operations.
"This attack against our forces, engaged in the fight against Daesh since 2015, is unacceptable," he said.
"Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks."
Earlier, Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) commander Sirwan Barzani said at least seven French soldiers were injured in a drone attack in Iraq’s Erbil region while providing counterterrorism training. He said the drone’s origin was not immediately clear.
"The French soldiers there have no connection to war or conflict. They are simply military advisers legally present in Iraq," Barzani said.
Barzani described the strike as an "unjust act of terrorism" and called on the Iraqi government to prevent similar incidents.
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