Major General Saad Maan: Let us coordinate security and media efforts to prevent 'news laundering'

Head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell Visits Kuwait “to Reassure”

Iraq Has Been, and Will Never Be, a Threat to Kuwait... or to Any of Its Neighboring Countries

Border Coordination on Land and Sea to Address Incidents and Combat Drug Smuggling

Border Issues Are Being Handled Through Understanding and the Rule of Law... Away from Escalation and Media Tension

Only Dozens of “ISIS” Fighters Remain in Iraq... Dispersed in Remote Areas

After the Coalition’s Mission Ends, Cooperation with Washington and Others Will Shift to a Bilateral Framework

Sabah Al-Nu’man: Iraqi Forces Are Now Capable of Protecting the Country and Managing National Security

Baghdad Will Not Enter a Regional War... Decisions on Peace and War Rest Solely with the State

In-Depth Political Analysis

Al-Zaraei

Daily News Bulletin

The head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, Major General Dr. Saad Maan, affirmed that the objective of the Iraqi delegation’s visit to Kuwait is to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance security and media coordination between the two countries, unify security messaging, and open direct communication channels to counter rumors and prevent misunderstandings arising from inaccurate information.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the visit, which he undertook alongside the spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the official spokesperson for the military and security establishment, Sabah Al-Nu’man, and the accompanying delegation, Major General Maan stated that Iraq’s security media is responsible for coordinating among security institutions, including the Ministries of Interior and Defense, the National Security Agency, the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Peshmerga, as well as engaging with foreign media.

He clarified that the visit aims to develop relations and achieve “shared security messages” through direct channels between Iraq’s security media and their counterparts in Kuwait’s Ministries of Interior and Defense, enabling rapid verification and clarification of any unclear information. He added, “Any story or matter unclear to the public will have a direct point of contact and clarification, thus eliminating ambiguity or gaps, and ensuring immediate resolution.”

Major General Maan noted that both sides agreed to exchange visits and expertise, coordinate on academic security matters, and enhance media capabilities and efficiency. He emphasized that the delegation’s meetings with officials from the Ministry of Interior, along with a technical workshop involving media officials from Kuwait’s Ministries of Interior and Defense and relevant departments, constituted a “true starting point for Iraqi-Kuwaiti security cooperation.”

He stated that “Iraq is located in a troubled regional area, but is keen to avoid entering any war and to preserve its gains and relations with neighboring countries, foremost among them Kuwait.” He explained that these relations encompass, beyond diplomacy, “soft power, communication environments, and shared interests,” which help resolve issues through direct dialogue.

Regarding claims that Iraqi territory is being used to target neighboring countries, Major General Maan said that “some strikes attributed to Iraq did not originate from it,” noting that the country’s vast area and the presence of over one million non-Iraqis necessitate careful scrutiny of information. He warned against what he termed “news laundering,” where information from unknown sources is passed on and circulated as if issued by official Iraqi entities. He pointed out that media can contribute to “poisoning ideas and memory,” prompting Iraq to develop its media and technical capacities to counter disinformation and protect its image.

He affirmed that security media is no longer limited to announcing military operations; it has become influential among youth and public opinion, especially with the expanding reach of social media. This requires improving performance and confronting unverified news.

Proactive Cooperation

On the issue of combating drugs and organized crime, Team Member Maan described Kuwaiti-Iraqi cooperation as one of the most prominent areas of success recently, pointing to the execution of a joint operation against drugs and psychotropic substances. He clarified that cooperation has become “proactive,” involving the exchange of information before operations occur, rather than only after the fact, and that the two-way flow of information has significantly contributed to curbing drug smuggling and trafficking, with the potential to carry out joint field operations within legal frameworks.

He emphasized that coordination between the two countries has been in place for years, particularly in drug control and border security, encompassing information exchange and incident management between the land and sea border force commands. He added that issues may occasionally arise due to the movement of fishermen or other activities, but the crucial factor is their swift resolution. He stressed that border files are managed “through understanding and the law,” and that Iraq proceeds with agreed-upon measures in accordance with legal and procedural frameworks.

He called for a responsible and calm media discourse on border issues, urging that matters resolvable through dialogue and official channels not be turned into sources of tension. He stressed that the Iraqi leadership “will not allow Iraq to be a source of threat to any neighboring country,” nor will it accept Iraq being threatened or attacked by any neighbor. He noted that current indicators are positive, and political, security, and diplomatic tracks are moving toward supporting stability, with expectations of further positive developments.

Security Management

For his part, Sabah Al-Nuaiman confirmed that Iraqi security forces have taken charge of the security file and are deployed across various regions, becoming capable of managing national security, coinciding with the completion of arrangements for the end of the international coalition’s mission. He stressed that Iraq will not allow its territory to be a source of threat to neighboring countries, nor will it permit Iraq to be threatened or attacked by them. He noted that arms control and the development of security and military capabilities are advancing at a rapid pace.

Al-Nuaiman explained that the end of the coalition’s mission came at Iraq’s request, following an assessment of its human and equipment readiness to assume responsibility for the security file. Consequently, its security relations with countries that supported it in the war against “Daesh” (ISIS), including the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, will shift to bilateral cooperation.

He stated that cooperation will include the exchange of intelligence, training, arms supply, and capacity building based on equal relationships. He emphasized that the end of the coalition’s mission does not mean the end of cooperation, but rather its transition to a phase based on Iraqi sovereignty.

“Daesh” in the Dozens

Al-Nuaiman said that “Daesh” has receded significantly, with only dozens of its elements remaining in remote mountainous areas, particularly in parts of Kirkuk, with no presence in cities. He clarified that confronting them relies primarily on intelligence efforts and target identification, in coordination with the aerial targeting cell and the capabilities of the Iraqi Air Force to carry out strikes.

He praised the role of the international coalition, especially the United States, in fighting the group since its establishment in 2014 for a specific mission of confronting it. He noted that the end of the mission’s justification opens the door to a phase of bilateral security cooperation.

Regional Tensions

Regarding regional tensions, Al-Nuaiman stated that “Iraq has been and will not be a party to any regional war.” He pointed out that the repercussions of the US-Iran conflict have had security and economic impacts on Iraq, Kuwait, and the region. He said that unstable circumstances make the exchange of information, coordination, and joint security action with sister countries, foremost among them Kuwait, a necessity to protect societies and enhance stability.

Al-Noaimi affirmed that all Iraqi security forces are subject to the orders of the Prime Minister, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and that decisions on war and peace are governed by constitutional and legal frameworks. He clarified that the Popular Mobilization Forces are part of Iraq’s security system in accordance with the law, and that all security and military formations are under the authority of the state and the command of the Armed Forces.

It is worth noting that the enhancement of security and media coordination between Kuwait and Iraq reflects a trend toward expanding the exchange of information and expertise, and addressing issues through official channels, thereby strengthening the security of both countries and confronting shared challenges.