Iraq arrests those behind US flag desecration at Sovereignty Day parade

BAGHDAD — Iraqi authorities have arrested those involved in desecrating a U.S. flag during a Sovereignty Day parade in Baghdad, the spokesperson for the commander-in-chief said Sunday, after Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation.

Anyone found to have taken part will be held accountable under Iraqi law and diplomatic norms, Sabah al-Numan said. “Respecting the symbols of friendly countries and their accredited diplomatic missions in Iraq constitutes a legal and diplomatic obligation, and any violation or offense in this regard will be subject to legal accountability,” he said. The statement did not say how many people were arrested, who they were or which group held the parade.

Zaidi ordered a committee to establish what happened after U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson posted images on X that he said showed members of the Popular Mobilization Forces desecrating the flag at events marking the coalition’s departure. “If you needed any more proof that Iraq is an Iranian province… @IraqiPMO Zaidi is this what you think of America? Free Iraq from Iran,” Wilson wrote. “The commander-in-chief of the armed forces condemned this act, stressing the necessity of adhering to laws and diplomatic norms,” Numan said at the time.

The PMF was set up in 2014 during the war against the Islamic State group and brought into the state security structure by law in 2016. Some of its factions are closely tied to Iran. Four of them said last week they would not follow any government timetable for handing over weapons, and Kataib Hezbollah and Ashab al-Kahf threatened action against foreign aircraft and forces after the coalition’s exit.

The last U.S. and coalition forces left Erbil Air Base on Sept. 30, and Baghdad is moving to bilateral security arrangements with Washington. The government is also relying on a U.S. exemption, reportedly for an initial 30 days, to let Iraqi Airways resume flights to Iran.