These operations are 'aggressive acts'
Iraqi military spox condemns U.S. airstrikes as violation of sovereignty, obstruction to security cooperation
BAGHDAD, 24 January — The Iraqi military has strongly condemned recent U.S. airstrikes against Iraqi military units in Jurf al-Sakhar and Al-Qaim, describing them as “a blatant violation of Iraqi sovereignty and a deliberate obstruction to the positive developments in Iraq’s future relationship with the International Coalition”. Yahya Rasool Abdullah, the spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, issued a statement on January 24, 2024, expressing deep concern over these actions by the United States.
Statement by Yahya Rasool Abdullah:
In a clear insistence on damaging the security and stability in Iraq, the United States has returned to executing airstrikes against locations of Iraqi military units, including the army and Popular Mobilization Forces, in the Jurf al-Sakhar and Al-Qaim areas.
At a time when understandings regarding the role and tasks of the International Coalition’s elements and advisors present in Iraq were making positive progress on the way to organizing the future relationship, we find these actions committed to obstruct this path and to offend all agreements and axes of joint security cooperation.
This unacceptable act undermines years of cooperation, blatantly exceeds Iraqi sovereignty, and leads to irresponsible escalation at a time when the region is suffering from the danger of expanding conflict, the repercussions of the aggression on Gaza, and the results of the unethical genocide war faced by the Palestinian people.
While the major powers, including the United States, have remained silent in the face of these crimes, we see it sliding into condemnable and unjustified aggressive actions on Iraqi territory and national sovereignty.
We call on the international community to assume its responsibility in supporting peace and security and to prevent all violations that genuinely threaten Iraq’s stability and sovereignty. At a time when we will deal with these operations as aggressive acts, we will take all that duty and responsibility impose upon us; to preserve the lives and dignity of Iraqis on our safe and stable land, thanks to the great sacrifices made by our people.
Mercy and elevation for those who ascended as martyrs as a result of this attack and a speedy recovery for the wounded.