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France: Soldier Killed in Iraqi Kurdistan Struck by 'Shahed' Drone

Published March 13, 2026, 14:08
France: Soldier Killed in Iraqi Kurdistan Struck by 'Shahed' Drone

Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, a member of the 7th Battalion of Alpine Rifles, was killed in an attack in the Arbil region of Iraqi Kurdistan after being struck by an Iranian-made Shahed drone. Colonel François-Xavier de la Sénée described Frion as an excellent and experienced soldier who had participated in numerous operations. The non-commissioned officer was assisting in the training of Kurds as part of the counter-terrorism mission against the Islamic State. He is the first French soldier to lose his life since the start of the war in the Middle East. Seven other soldiers were injured in the same attack, while an armed group linked to Iran has announced that it is now targeting all French interests in the region.