Sharp criticism
Reactions from Iraqi political figutes on the US strikes
The U.S. airstrikes in Iraq have drawn sharp criticism from Iraqi officials and former leaders. These strikes are labeled as a significant violation of Iraqi sovereignty, intensifying existing tensions between Iraq and the United States.
Yehia Rasool, the Iraqi military spokesperson, emphasized the grave implications of these actions, stating, “The cities of Al-Qaim and the Iraqi border areas are being subjected to airstrikes by United States aircraft. These strikes come at a time when Iraq is earnestly working to ensure regional stability. They represent a breach of Iraqi sovereignty, undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government, and pose a threat that could lead Iraq and the region towards grave consequences.”
The strikes reportedly targeted Kata’ib Hezbollah, a group that the U.S. has designated as a terrorist organization, hitting a weapons depot in Al-Sikka and causing collateral damage to nearby residential areas.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi criticized the strikes, suggesting that they contradict the stated objectives of the United States and could lead to disastrous consequences. Abdul Mahdi outlined three primary concerns: the likelihood of retaliation leading to further escalation, the undermining of efforts to combat ISIS, and the obstruction of dialogue aimed at reducing foreign military presence in Iraq. He stated, “The brutal American aggression on Iraq and Syria… will inevitably lead to retaliation, escalating and expanding the battle.”
Basim Al-Awadi, a government spokesperson, condemned the U.S. for misrepresenting facts and falsely claiming coordination with the Iraqi government. Al-Awadi detailed the consequences of the strike, including the loss of 16 lives, dubbed ‘martyrs’, and injuries to 25 individuals, along with significant damage to civilian properties. He asserted, “This aggressive airstrike will push the security situation in Iraq and the region to the brink of the abyss, jeopardizing ongoing efforts to establish the necessary stability.”