French Soldier Killed in Drone Attack in Iraqi Kurdistan
Paris, March 13 – A French soldier was killed and six others wounded in a drone attack in the Erbil region of Iraqi Kurdistan on Thursday night, according to an announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron. This marks the first recorded death within the French army in the context of the ongoing Middle East conflict, now in its thirteenth day.
The Ministry of Armed Forces confirmed that the six injured soldiers would be repatriated to France. The fallen soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, was part of the 7th Alpine Hunters Battalion, based in Varces-Allières-et-Risset in Isère. He had been deployed in Iraq for only a few weeks.
The general staff stated on X that Frion was “engaged in counter-terrorism training activities for the Iraqi armed forces.” The French army later specified that Arnaud Frion was killed “by a Shahed drone,” indicating an Iranian-made drone.
While not claiming responsibility for this specific attack, the pro-Iranian armed group Ashab al-Kahfa announced on Friday that it would now target “all French interests” in the region following the deployment of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Gulf.
Zelensky Arrives in Paris for Talks with Macron
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the French capital this morning for discussions with his counterpart Emmanuel Macron. The talks are focused on ways to intensify pressure on Russia.
The Élysée Palace explained that this visit aims to “absolutely avoid” an “eclipse effect” linked to the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran, which is currently monopolizing global attention.
Other Key News from Friday, March 13:
Pig’s Head Incident in Nice:
According to our information, two individuals taken into custody on Wednesday have been brought before the courts for indictment in connection with the pig’s head and yellow star discovered at the home of Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi. The two individuals, born in 1947 and 1980, deny having ordered the operation.
Municipal Elections:
Ahead of Sunday’s first round of municipal elections, Le Parisien has provided an update on the latest available polls for France’s ten largest cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Lille.
Listeriosis Outbreak:
Between October 2025 and January 2026, twelve cases of listeriosis were reported across France, two of which were fatal. Health investigations have confirmed a link between these cases and the recall of charcuterie products from the company Drôme Ardèche Tradition, sold nationwide, including caillettes and pâtés en croûte. Le Parisien details the affected products that should not be consumed.
Perrier Addresses Scandal:
Following a recent scandal, Perrier is working to reassure consumers with the message, “Our water is safe and pure.”
Controversial Tweets by Quentin Deranque:
The family lawyer of Quentin Deranque described the attributed tweets as “condemnable” but argued they do not justify a “lynching to death.”
Most Demanded Master’s Specializations:
Information on the most sought-after master’s specializations is also available.
