Iraqi Government: Armed Forces Ready to Thwart Any Attempt Targeting Neighboring Countries

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stressed on Saturday the need to prevent any transgression or threat emanating from Iraqi territory toward neighboring countries, while directing the establishment of deterrent mechanisms to prevent the recurrence of any potential violations. The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi chaired an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss security developments in the region.” It added that “the Commander-in-Chief emphasized during the meeting the necessity of preventing any transgression or threat originating from Iraqi soil against neighboring states, forming a joint security committee to confront challenges, and directing the implementation of deterrent measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents or any potential violations.” The statement continued, “Al-Zaidi also directed Iraqi security agencies to enforce the law, enhance security and stability, and fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding sovereignty and fostering good neighborly relations.” It noted that “the meeting affirmed the readiness of the Armed Forces to thwart any attempt targeting neighboring countries within our regional environment, and reiterated their firm commitment to not allowing Iraqi territory to be used as a launching pad or transit route for aggression against fraternal and friendly states, in line with their responsibility to preserve national sovereignty and respect the principles of good neighborliness and international law.”