Sudani orders removal of all intelligence officials in Nineveh Plains sector

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered the removal of all intelligence officials in the Nineveh Plains operations sector during a security meeting Wednesday, as reports indicate some of the drones striking the Kurdistan Region may have been launched from areas in the plains where PMF-affiliated factions are stationed.

Sudani, who also serves as commander-in-chief, chaired the meeting at the Joint Operations Command headquarters, attended by the interior minister, army chief of staff, deputy commander of joint operations, head of the Counter-Terrorism Service and the secretary of the commander-in-chief.

He received “a comprehensive briefing on the security situation in the various governorates, in light of the current developments and the repercussions resulting from the continuation of military operations and their impact on Iraq, as well as their reflections on regional and international security,” his media office said.

Sudani emphasized “not tolerating any attempt that seeks to drag Iraq into the war and anything that contributes to threatening its stability,” telling commanders that their “legal and moral responsibility requires placing Iraq’s interests above all considerations, adhering to enforcing the law with the highest readiness, and not allowing any party to attempt to drag the country into conflict and threaten stability.”

He ordered accountability for “any entity or security member if proven negligent in performing their duty during this critical stage,” and directed the removal of all intelligence officials in the Nineveh Plains sector.

In recent days, drone and missile attacks have struck Iranian Kurdish opposition sites in Koya district and targeted Erbil Air Base, with some reports suggesting projectiles were launched from Nineveh Plains areas where PMF factions operate.