A French soldier has died and another six are injured, following a violent drone attack in Iraqi Kurdistan.

A French soldier was killed, and six other military personnel were injured following a drone attack on the base at Mala Qara, in the Erbil region of Iraqi Kurdistan. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death of Corporal Arnaud Frion, from the 7th Alpine Chasseur Battalion, and condemned the attack, emphasizing that the war with Iran does not justify such actions. The injured soldiers were transported to a medical center for care. The attack occurred in the context of France, along with other nations, conducting counter-terrorism training activities in Iraq, as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State. The region has been repeatedly targeted by rocket and drone attacks, most of which are attributed to pro-Iranian factions. Macron reaffirmed France's defensive role in the regional conflict, highlighting the presence of naval and air forces in the eastern Mediterranean.