Iraq reaffirms pledge to prevent attacks on neighboring countries from its territory

BAGHDAD: Iraq will not allow its territory to be used as a launchpad or transit route for attacks against neighboring or friendly countries, Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih Al-Zaidi has reiterated.

A statement issued by the prime minister’s media office said Al-Zaidi made the remarks during an emergency meeting convened to review regional security developments. The pledge underlines the government’s commitment to regional stability and good-neighborly relations.

Al-Zaidi stressed the need to prevent any security threat or violation originating from Iraqi territory and said a joint security committee should be formed to address emerging challenges and develop measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

The statement said the prime minister also instructed security agencies to enforce the law, strengthen security and stability, and carry out their responsibilities in safeguarding Iraq’s sovereignty while reinforcing the principles of good-neighborly relations. It added that Iraqi armed forces remained fully prepared to thwart any attempt targeting neighboring countries within Iraq’s regional environment.

The government remains committed to preventing Iraqi territory from being used as a launchpad or transit route for attacks against neighboring and friendly countries, in line with its responsibility to protect national sovereignty and uphold international law.

Al-Zaidi reiterated the same position on Monday following Saudi Arabia’s announcement that its air defenses had intercepted and destroyed drones launched from Iraqi territory that were attempting to target oil facilities in the Kingdom.

The militias have been accused of trying to damage Iraq’s interests and undermine its relations with Arab and Islamic countries in an attempt to turn Iraqi territory and resources into a platform for aggression and escalation against neighboring states.