Spain Withdraws Troops From Military Base in Afghanistan

Spanish troops in Afghanistan withdrew Saturday from their base at Moqur almost three years after their arrival, redeploying to Spain’s principal Afghan base in the town of Qala i Naw, the Spanish Defense Ministry said.

The Ricketts Base in Moqur was the last combat post under Spanish command on the battlefront in the western Afghan province of Badghis.

From now on, units of the Afghan National Army trained by Spanish troops will assume full responsibility for guaranteeing security in the area, for which they will have consultation and support from the base at Qala i Naw.

Before the withdrawal, the last Spanish contingent stationed in Moqur paid tribute to those fallen in battle and raised their flag for the last time.

The ceremony was presided over by brigade Gen. Carlos Aparicio Azcarraga, posted at ISAF General Headquarters in Kabul, accompanied by army Col. Fernando Garcia Gonzalez-Valerio, head of Spanish forces in Qala i Naw.

For almost three years, Spanish troops have worked to improve security and governability in the region, while aiding the development of the Afghan inhabitants.

The last Spanish soldier to die in Afghanistan, Sgt. David Fernandez Ureña, was stationed at this base in Moqur.

Published in Latino Daily News