Spanish Troop Presence In Afghanistan: A Critical Number

In 2021, Spain withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, marking the end of a nearly 20-year presence in the country. The Spanish military operations in Afghanistan aimed to clear the insurgency in the provinces of Herat and Badghis, working alongside Italian forces. Over the course of this extended deployment, Spain sent approximately 27,000 to 29,861 troops to Afghanistan, with a tragic loss of 102 soldiers. The last contingent of Spanish troops, consisting of 24 soldiers, 2 local interpreters, and other officials, returned home to a ceremony recognising their service and sacrifice.

Spanish troops in Afghanistan: history

The Spanish military's involvement in Afghanistan spanned almost two decades, from 2002 to 2021, and saw over 29,000 troops deployed. The conflict resulted in 102 Spanish deaths, with 62 of these occurring in an aircraft crash in Turkey.

In January 2002, a contingent of 350 Spanish military personnel was deployed to Afghanistan for the first time, following the 9/11 attacks. This initial deployment paved the way for more than 27,100 Spanish men and women to contribute to peace and security efforts in the country.

Spain actively participated in three missions during its time in Afghanistan: Enduring Freedom, ISAF (International Security Assistance Force), and Resolute Support. The latter two missions were headed by NATO forces.

As part of the ISAF mission between 2002 and 2014, the Spanish Armed Forces worked alongside the Afghan interim government to maintain security. The Army took on roles such as the Badghis Provincial Reconstruction Team, while the Navy deployed Tactical Air Control Teams (TACPs) and Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLTs). The Air Force assumed command of the Forward Air Base in Herat and the Deployment Support Medical Unit.

The Spanish Civil Guard also played a crucial role in improving and normalising the functioning of the Afghan police during this time.

In 2009, Spanish and Italian forces of NATO's ISAF engaged in the Battle of Sabzak with Taliban insurgents and militant Tajik tribals in the province of Badghis. Spanish troops were sent to patrol the Sabzak pass, the only road supplying Qal'eh-ye and Herat, following attacks on military convoys and the collapse of Taliban control in the area. Despite facing ambushes, Spanish forces, with aerial support, successfully defended the pass and prevented Taliban forces from blocking the road.

In 2015, NATO's new Resolute Support mission shifted the focus to training, advising, and mentoring Afghan security institutions and their Security and Defence Forces. Spain adapted its contribution to this mission in 2018 by deploying a Special Operations Force, which was later withdrawn.

The Spanish military's efforts in Afghanistan extended beyond combat. They conducted over 28,000 long patrols along the Lithium Route and approximately 1,400 explosive ordnance disposal missions. They also played a vital role in providing essential infrastructure, such as securing and operating Herat's main airport, and bringing electricity and water to homes.

Additionally, Spanish missions demonstrated humanity and empathy towards the country's most vulnerable, including children in orphanages and schools in Qala-e-Naw, promoting the integration of boys and girls in classrooms.

In May 2021, the last Spanish troops returned home from Afghanistan, marking the end of Spain's nearly 20-year involvement in the country. A ceremony was held at the Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base, presided over by King Felipe VI, to recognise the personnel of all contingents and honour their sacrifices.

Spanish troops in Afghanistan: numbers

In August 2021, Spain brought home the last of its troops from Afghanistan, marking the end of almost 20 years of involvement in the conflict. The final contingent of 24 soldiers and two local interpreters landed at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base in Madrid, where they were greeted by King Felipe VI, President of the Government Pedro Sánchez, and the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles.

In total, Spain sent around 27,000 to 29,861 troops to Afghanistan since the beginning of its deployment in January 2002. This made it the longest military operation of Spain's modern armed forces. The Spanish military presence in Afghanistan was focused on the provinces of Herat and Badghis, where they worked to clear the insurgency and rebuild these areas.

In the early years of the conflict, Spain deployed a larger number of troops. A first contingent of 350 military personnel was sent in 2002, and over the years, more than 27,100 Spanish men and women contributed to peace and security efforts in Afghanistan. By 2015, Spain's role had transitioned to a support and advisory mission, with a focus on training and mentoring Afghan security institutions and forces.

At the time of the withdrawal decision in 2021, Spain still had 450 troops at the Forward Support Base of Herat. Twenty Spanish military officials remained in Kabul as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support mission. The Spanish presence in Herat included a protection force, Air Force officials running the airport, a military hospital, a logistic unit, and personnel at the Training, Advise and Assist Command West headquarters.

Spanish troops in Afghanistan: role

In August 2021, Spain closed its embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, and brought home the last of its troops, marking an end to almost 20 years of military involvement in the country.

In total, 29,861 Spanish troops were deployed to Afghanistan since January 2002, making it the longest military operation of Spain's modern armed forces. The first contingent of 350 military personnel was deployed for the first time in January 2002, after the 9/11 attacks.

The Spanish military operations in Afghanistan were developed with the objective of clearing the insurgency in the provinces of Herat and Badghis, alongside Italian forces, and to leave the province ready for Afghans to take care of it after the withdrawal of Spanish troops in 2014. In addition, they aimed to rebuild those provinces.

The Spanish military presence in Herat consisted of a protection force operating at the base and the city's airport, the Air Force military officials in charge of running the airport, the Role 2E military hospital, a logistic unit, and personnel at the general headquarters of the Training, Advise and Assist Command West.

The Spanish troops also contributed to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Kabul, with 20 Spanish military officials remaining at the headquarters even after the withdrawal of troops from Herat.

The Spanish Armed Forces made various contributions to Afghanistan, including:

• Taking over the Badghis Provincial Reconstruction Team, with its capital in Qala-e-Naw, made up of military and civilian personnel, through the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID).
• Deploying Tactical Air Control Teams (TACPs) and Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLTs) alongside the armies.
• Taking command of the Forward Air Base in Herat, as well as taking over the Deployment Support Medical Unit.
• Providing operability and security to the main airport in Herat.
• Adapting basic infrastructures to bring electricity and water to homes.
• Conducting over 28,000 long patrols along the Lithium Route and approximately 1,400 explosive ordnance disposal missions.
• Assisting in the evacuation of Afghans who worked with Western countries, with Spain evacuating 2,206 people on 17 flights, most of whom had worked with Spanish forces.

Spanish troops in Afghanistan: withdrawal

The War in Afghanistan

The war in Afghanistan was fought between the Taliban and the US-led coalition forces, marking the longest war in US history. The conflict began in 2001 and ended in 2021 with the withdrawal of US and NATO forces and the collapse of the Afghan National Security Forces.

Spanish Involvement in Afghanistan

Spain was a key member of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, contributing to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and later, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission.

Withdrawal of Spanish Troops

In 2015, Spain announced its intention to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. At the time, there were around 420-450 Spanish troops stationed at the Forward Support Base in Herat, a relatively calm province in the northwest of the country. The Spanish forces in Herat were involved in various capacities, including protection and security at the base and the city's airport, as well as providing medical support and logistical operations.

The withdrawal process began in 2015, with Spain handing over control of the Badghis base to the Afghan army. This was followed by the completion of the withdrawal from Herat in 2015, with the remaining Spanish troops returning home by October 31 of that year.

By the end of 2015, only 20 Spanish military officials remained in Afghanistan, stationed at the NATO headquarters in Kabul. This marked a significant reduction in Spain's military presence in the country, with the majority of troops having been withdrawn.

Impact of the Withdrawal

The withdrawal of Spanish troops from Afghanistan was a complex logistical operation and had a significant impact on the ground. Spain's military contribution to the conflict included more than 28,000 long patrols and approximately 1,400 explosive ordnance disposal missions. They also played a crucial role in securing and operating Herat's main airport and providing essential infrastructure to the local community.

The Spanish military's efforts in Afghanistan resulted in a significant loss of life, with 102 Spanish soldiers losing their lives during the conflict. The withdrawal of Spanish and other NATO forces from Afghanistan raised concerns about the ability of the Afghan Army and police to maintain control and prevent the resurgence of the Taliban.

Continued Support

Even after the withdrawal of its troops, Spain remained committed to supporting Afghanistan. In 2021, Spain evacuated 2,206 people, including Afghans who had worked with Spanish forces and other Western countries. Spain also expressed its intention to continue extracting Afghan allies and their families in the months and years ahead.

The withdrawal of Spanish troops from Afghanistan marked the end of a nearly 20-year-long military operation. Spain's contribution to the conflict was significant, and its decision to withdraw was influenced by a combination of strategic considerations and a desire to bring its soldiers home. The process of withdrawing troops was complex and had a lasting impact on the ground, with Spain continuing to provide support to Afghanistan even after the completion of the withdrawal.

Spanish troops in Afghanistan: casualties

Since the beginning of the War in Afghanistan in 2001, there have been 35 Spanish casualties. Of these, 17 were killed in a helicopter crash in August 2005, 13 were killed in separate attacks by insurgents, two died from natural causes, and two died in vehicle accidents. In addition to these deaths, 62 Spanish soldiers returning from Afghanistan died in a plane crash in Turkey in May 2003.

The Spanish military's involvement in Afghanistan includes more than 28,000 long patrols along the Lithium Route and approximately 1,400 explosive ordnance disposal missions. They also made Herat's main airport operational and secure, and provided essential infrastructure that brings electricity and water to homes.

The Battle of Sabzak, which took place from 3 to 4 September 2009, resulted in two Spanish soldiers being injured. Sgt. José Enrique Serrano, commander of the Spanish company that defended the pass on 3 September, and a soldier who received a minor scratch on his face from a ricocheting bullet, were the only ISAF members wounded in the battle.

In June 2011, two Spanish soldiers were among six coalition troops killed in Afghanistan. Sgt. Manuel Argudin Perrino and soldier Niryeth Pineda Marin were killed when their armoured vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.

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