A French soldier was killed in northern Iraq, and Macron says the attack crossed a line no ally expected

A French soldier was killed in northern Iraq, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling the attack “unacceptable.” As reported by Al Jazeera, Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion “died for France” while stationed in the Erbil region.

Macron also said several other soldiers were wounded in the same attack, though he did not provide details about their conditions. He stressed that France’s military presence in Iraq remains focused on counter-terrorism operations against groups such as ISIL.

He added that the war in Iran cannot justify attacks on allied forces in Iraq. France has maintained troops in the region since 2015 as part of an international coalition fighting terrorism.

The violence is spreading beyond one attack

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups, claimed responsibility for the attack along with others in the country. The group has reportedly targeted sites linked to US forces, including military bases, the consulate in Erbil, the embassy in Baghdad, and the Victory base near Baghdad International Airport, amid the Kuwait attack toll.

Another pro-Iranian group, Ashab Ahl al-Kahf, also issued a statement warning that French interests “in Iraq and the region” would be “under targeting fire.” The threat came as Iraq appeared to be taking on a larger role in the wider United States-Israeli war on Iran.

Frion’s death came a day after the French military said a drone attack hit another military base in Iraq. That strike injured six soldiers, although it was not immediately clear whether they were the same wounded troops Macron referenced.

Italy also said an overnight air strike hit its military base in Erbil, which hosts NATO personnel. No Italian soldiers were injured in that incident.

Earlier this week, Macron announced that France would deploy its flagship aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, to the Mediterranean. France is also sending additional air defense units to Cyprus in response to the widening conflict across the Middle East, amid Lebanon strike damage.