BRUSSELS

Spain is preparing to evacuate and relocate military personnel in Iraq following NATO's decision to adjust its mission because of security concerns, Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Wednesday.

Robles confirmed the plans during her visit to Albacete, alongside King Felipe VI, for the first day of the BACSI technological demonstration -- an initiative of the Spanish Air and Space Force, the EFE news agency reported.

Spanish forces in Iraq are engaged in two primary missions: the international coalition to defeat ISIS through Operation Inherent Resolve and NATO's mission, which supports Iraqi authorities in developing and strengthening security and defense institutions.

Spain's support mission in Iraq began in October 2014.

Spain contributes a Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) of 71 troops to the coalition, along with personnel at the headquarters.

The forces were temporarily relocated during the weekend in response to deteriorating security linked to the war in Iran, the Defense Ministry reported.

The Spanish military trains Iraqi forces as part of the coalition against ISIS.

Since October 2018, it has also advised the Iraqi government on national security structures and professional military education under the NATO Mission-Iraq (NMI).

Both missions have been extended until Dec. 31, and a Spanish officer is expected to take command of NMI in May 2026.

NATO emphasized that the adjustment of its mission prioritizes the safety of its personnel, spokesperson Allison Hart told EFE.

The escalation followed a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran, which has killed around 1,300 people since Feb. 28. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries, which it says are targeting "US military assets."