Iraq has firmly rejected any aggression or targeting of the Gulf Arab states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from its territory. This statement was made on Thursday following demands from Gulf countries and Jordan for the Iraqi government to take necessary measures to stop the attacks they have been facing since the beginning of the war in the Middle East.
Since the outbreak of the war, which began with a US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, daily announcements have been made by Iranian-aligned Iraqi armed factions, known as the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," regarding attacks using drones and missiles on what they describe as "enemy bases" in Iraq and the region.
Details of the Incident
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday evening, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan called on the Iraqi government to "take the necessary measures to immediately stop the attacks carried out by factions, militias, and armed groups from the territory of the Republic of Iraq towards neighboring countries." In response, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry confirmed that it is "proceeding with the necessary measures to address all security challenges," indicating its full readiness to receive any information or evidence related to any targeting originating from Iraqi territory against neighboring countries.
The ministry also emphasized its commitment to taking all necessary actions to maintain Iraq's sovereignty, strengthen its fraternal relations, and prevent any actions that could harm the security and stability of the region.
Background & Context
Earlier this month, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry summoned the Chargé d'Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy in Kuwait to deliver a note of protest regarding attacks from Iraqi armed factions on Kuwaiti territory. The Kuwaiti ambassador in Baghdad provided information about targeting he claimed originated from Iraqi territory, demanding the Iraqi government intervene to put an end to it. In Amman, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi confirmed that his country had been subjected to strikes from Iraqi armed factions.
At the same time, the faction "Saraya Awliya al-Dam," which belongs to the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," commented on the joint statement, stating that "the Islamic Resistance exclusively targets the American presence" in these countries.
Impact & Consequences
Concerns are rising over the escalation of security tensions in the region, especially following airstrikes targeting Iraqi military sites, which resulted in the deaths of several soldiers. The Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced that seven army personnel were killed in a strike on the Al-Habbaniyah military clinic, while the Iraqi government accused the United States of committing a "complete crime" that violates international law.
Simultaneously, sites belonging to the "Popular Mobilization Forces" and Iranian-aligned Iraqi factions are being subjected to strikes attributed to the United States and Israel, complicating the security situation in Iraq.
Regional Significance
Attention is turning to how these developments will affect relations between Iraq and its neighbors, especially amid the rising attacks from armed factions. The escalation of tensions could also impact regional stability and intensify divisions among political forces in Iraq.
In conclusion, the security situation in Iraq remains a significant concern, as the Iraqi government seeks to maintain its sovereignty and strengthen its relations with neighboring countries amid increasing security challenges.