Crawford, Texas, Nov 30: Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar assured US President George W Bush of his continued support for joint military operations in Iraq following the deaths of seven Spanish intelligence agents there, the White House said.
It was the deadliest single attack on Spain's personnel in Iraq.
''President Bush called Aznar to express his sympathy on behalf of the American people,'' said Allen Abney, a White House spokesman yesterday. ''Aznar thanked Bush for the call and reaffirmed his support for our joint efforts in Iraq.''
Seven Spanish intelligence agents were killed and one was wounded about 30 km south of Baghdad when attackers armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles ambushed their two unmarked vehicles.
The attack presents Aznar with his biggest test since he defied public opinion by backing Bush over the US-led war that ousted Saddam Hussein and sent 1,300 Spanish peacekeeping troops to Iraq.
Bush called Aznar from his Crawford, Texas ranch.
Bureau Report