UNAMI expresses concern over attacks on Syrian workers in Iraq

BAGHDAD – The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq voiced deep concern Thursday over reports of attacks against Syrian workers in Iraq while welcoming the Iraqi government’s swift response.

“The circulating reports of attacks against Syrian workers in Iraq are highly alarming,” UNAMI said in a statement.

The mission praised Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani for his clear condemnation of the assaults and commended the government’s decision to form a specialized security team to track down those responsible. “Such attacks violate human dignity and fundamental rights and contradict Iraq’s existing laws,” the statement said.

UNAMI called on all parties to uphold the law, act with wisdom, refrain from hate speech, and work toward maintaining stability in Iraq as a secure and cohesive nation.

Earlier this week, masked members of the Ya Ali militia were filmed attacking Syrian workers in Baghdad, triggering widespread outrage and a swift response from Iraqi authorities. A video circulating on social media showed the group storming a workshop, assaulting several workers, and allegedly finding photos of interim Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on their phones. The attack came less than a day after the militia issued a warning threatening Syrians in Iraq if they were found supporting the new Syrian government. The exact details of the video, including its location and timing, remain unverified.

In response, Iraqi security forces launched a crackdown on the perpetrators. Sabah Al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, confirmed that a special security team was immediately deployed to track down those responsible. Iraqi officials reassured Syrian nationals of their safety, emphasizing that “all nationalities working and residing in Iraq are protected under the Iraqi state.”

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, calling it a “violation of human rights and international law.” The ministry urged the Iraqi government to hold the perpetrators accountable and take “all necessary measures” to ensure the safety of Syrians in Iraq. It also affirmed that Syria would coordinate with Iraq to prevent further incidents and implement swift security measures. “We trust in the Iraqi government’s ability to uphold the rule of law and protect all communities within its borders,” the statement concluded.