Iraq tightens security to prevent cross-border attacks amid regional tensions
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Iraqi authorities have begun implementing tighter security measures to prevent rockets or drones from being launched from Iraqi territory toward neighboring countries, according to a report published Tuesday by Baghdad-based newspaper Al-Mada, citing security and political sources.
The report said security forces are increasing surveillance in Basra, the deserts of Najaf, Samawa, and Anbar, particularly in areas bordering Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
According to the sources, Iraqi authorities also plan to impose “strict penalties” on any security official found to have allowed attacks to originate from areas under their responsibility.
The reported measures follow an emergency security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, during which the government announced the formation of a joint security committee tasked with preventing further cross-border attacks.
In a statement issued after the meeting, al-Zaidi instructed security agencies to enforce the law, strengthen stability, and ensure Iraqi territory is not used as a launchpad for attacks against neighboring countries.
Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi also said in a televised interview that the prime minister’s firm position had helped avert what he described as a potential military strike against Iraq.
Despite the new measures, Al-Mada’s sources questioned whether Baghdad would be able to completely prevent future drone launches or avoid possible retaliatory action by neighboring states.
The report said U.S. officials believe some Iran-supplied ballistic missiles remain hidden inside Iraq. However, a senior figure from a major Shiite political party, speaking anonymously, told the newspaper that armed factions have temporarily stepped back from using such missiles following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to halt what he described as a planned strike against Iran.
According to the report, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) also ordered the evacuation of facilities in Nineveh as a precaution against potential future U.S. airstrikes.
Al-Mada reported that most members of the ruling Coordination Framework support the government’s official approach to responding to the regional crisis through diplomatic and, if necessary, military channels.
However, the newspaper said one influential Shiite leader continues to oppose the government’s position.
According to the report, armed factions have given the government until Friday to respond to Saudi Arabia following recent military developments, while some groups reportedly oppose Baghdad’s efforts to bring weapons under exclusive state control.
The newspaper also cited political analysts who argued that Iraq remains caught between broader regional tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Gulf countries, increasing the risk of further military escalation.
The claims published by Al-Mada are based on unnamed security and political sources and have not been independently confirmed by Iraqi authorities.