BAGHDAD: Iraq government and forces Condemned the US airstrikes, accusing them of threatening Iraq’s security and stability. The strikes targeted Iraqi military units in Jurf Al-Nasr and Al-Qaim.
Earlier today, Pentagon said that the US conducted airstrikes against three facilities associated with Iran-backed militias. The US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin justified the precision strikes, citing a string of escalating attacks by Iranian-sponsored militias against US and Coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria.
A statement from Iraq prime minister’s office said that the United States strikes on Iraqi military positions will lead to “irresponsible escalation” and violate the country’s sovereignty. These actions as “aggressive” and believes they jeopardize years of collaborative efforts, said the statement.
Major General Yehia Rasool, Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, said that despite positive strides taken to redefine the future relationship and missions of Coalition members and advisors in Iraq, recent actions have impeded progress, eroding agreements and joint security cooperation across various sectors.
In a clear determination to harm security and stability in Iraq, the United States has resumed carrying out airstrikes against the locations of Iraqi military units from the army and the Popular Mobilization Forces, in the areas of Jurf Al-Nasr and Al-Qaim.
While positive steps…
— المكتب الإعلامي لرئيس الوزراء 🇮🇶 (@IraqiPMO) January 24, 2024
General Rasool said that this unacceptable behavior undermines years of collaboration, flagrantly violates Iraq’s sovereignty, and adds to an irresponsible escalation.
This comes at a time when the region is already grappling with the threat of escalating conflicts, the aftermath of aggression in Gaza, and the consequences of the immoral war faced by the Palestinian people.
The statement further said that as major powers, including the United States, remain silent on these crimes, we witness the US engaging in condemnable and unjustified aggressive actions against Iraqi territory and national sovereignty.
“We urge the international community to fulfill its responsibility in supporting peace and security, preventing any violations that pose a threat to Iraq’s stability and sovereignty. We will treat these operations as acts of aggression and take necessary measures to safeguard the lives and dignity of Iraqis, whose land has become safe and stable due to the sacrifices of our people,” he said in his statement.
