Attacks unacceptable

He condemned the attack as "unacceptable," emphasizing that French forces have been engaged in the fight against Daesh (ISIS) in Iraq since 2015.

"Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks."

The French military initially reported the incident as a drone attack wounding six soldiers involved in counter-terrorism training with Iraqi partners, without mentioning fatalities at the time.

The base, part of Operation Chammal, hosts hundreds of French troops supporting local forces against Daesh (ISIS) remnants.

This strike comes amid heightened regional tensions following Iran's missile barrages and ongoing exchanges with Israel and the US.

Kurdish authorities and coalition sources have attributed the attack to Iranian-linked militias, though no group has claimed responsibility.

The incident follows a similar drone attack on an Italian base in the same region earlier in the day.

France has been a key participant in the US-led coalition against Daesh since 2014, with operations focused on training and advising Iraqi and Kurdish forces.

The attack underscores the risks to Western troops in Iraq amid the broader Iran conflict, which has seen over 270 drone and missile strikes on Kurdistan Region positions since the war's onset.

Officials in Paris have not yet outlined any specific response, but the event could prompt increased diplomatic pressure or military adjustments in the region.

The French Defense Ministry declined to provide further details on the wounded soldiers' conditions, citing operational security.

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