Iraqi analyst arrested over post ‘mocking’ radar system hit in drone strike

BAGHDAD — Iraqi political analyst Abbas Al-Ardawi was arrested Wednesday after posting a message on X mocking a military radar system damaged in a drone strike a day earlier, with the Ministry of Defense saying his remarks insulted the armed forces and posed a threat to national security.

“In accordance with the directive of the commander-in-chief not to tolerate any action that harms the security and stability of our country, and in connection with a post that deliberately insulted and defamed the security institution — which amounts to harming national security — a warrant was executed this morning to arrest media activist Abbas Falah Al-Ardawi,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that while freedom of expression is protected, “this freedom stops where national security and the country’s highest interests begin.” It warned that state institutions “will not hesitate to take legal action and respond firmly to anyone who causes harm to national security or seeks to disturb public stability.”

Al-Ardawi was detained hours after he posted on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “There’s no French radar at Taji Base that helped in the Israeli aggression — it was retired for scrap.” The comment appeared to mock government claims about the radar system targeted in the recent drone strike and its potential use in regional surveillance.

His arrest follows a wave of drone attacks early Tuesday that struck radar systems at Al-Taji Camp, north of Baghdad, and Imam Ali Base in Dhi Qar governorate. While no casualties were reported, the strikes caused significant damage to Iraq’s air defense infrastructure.

In response, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani ordered the formation of a high-level technical and intelligence committee to investigate the attacks. Officials have not yet named the group responsible but said the drones were likely launched from within Iraqi territory.