Iraq to summon US and Iranian envoys over attacks on security forces

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired an emergency meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security on Tuesday to review regional military developments and their impact on Iraq, according to a statement issued by his office.

“The state, through its authorities and in accordance with the Constitution, holds exclusive authority over decisions of war and peace, and will not allow any party or individual to usurp this right,” the statement said, adding that “legal measures will be taken against any entity acting otherwise.”

Following attacks on the Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters, the council announced a series of decisions, including responding to military attacks.

“To confront and respond to military attacks carried out by military aircraft and drones targeting the headquarters and formations of the Popular Mobilization Forces Commission and other formations of our armed forces, using available means, in accordance with the right to respond and self-defense,” the statement said.

An airstrike in Anbar killed PMF Anbar operations commander Saad Daway al-Baiji and 14 others, prompting Prime Minister Sudani to convene an emergency national security meeting. Separate strikes hit PMF positions in Babil, Mosul and Salah Al-Din.

Meanwhile, the council also said authorities would pursue those involved in attacks on diplomatic missions.

“To pursue those involved in attacks against security institutions, citizens’ interests, and diplomatic missions, identify the entities to which they belong, and take legal measures against them,” it said, adding that “no one is above the law.”

A sustained wave of drone and rocket attacks on government facilities, diplomatic missions and military sites were reported since the regional war began Feb. 28. The U.S. Embassy compound has been struck multiple times. The Al-Rasheed Hotel, housing the Saudi embassy and the EU Advisory Mission, was hit by a drone. The UAE Consulate General in Erbil was targeted twice in a week. NATO completed the withdrawal of all its personnel from Iraq on March 20. Each attack has drawn condemnations and pledges to pursue those responsible. The strikes have continued regardless.

It added that the Foreign Ministry will file a complaint with the United Nations Security Council and summon the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States and the Iranian Ambassador over strikes targeting PMF sites in Anbar and other areas, as well as Peshmerga positions in Erbil.

Six Iranian ballistic missiles killed six Peshmerga fighters and wounded about 30 near Soran in Erbil governorate, with two still missing.

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani condemned the Soran strike as unjustifiable, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani called it “a direct hostile aggression against the sovereignty of the country,” and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said the KRG “will take all measures to counter this hostility.”