Al-Sudani warns against unilateral action in response to attacks on U.S. embassy

BAGHDAD, December 9 — Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani affirmed Iraqi security forces’ ability to identify and pursue groups involved in recent attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, but also cautioned Washington against direct retaliation without the consent of the Iraqi government.

A statement from Sudani’s office said:

Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani received a phone call from U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Friday night. The call discussed bilateral cooperation in security matters and ways to enhance collaboration between the two countries to address various challenges.

The conversation also touched upon the recent attacks on the U.S. Embassy in the capital, Baghdad, emphasizing the importance of curbing such attacks due to their potential to undermine Iraq’s sovereignty and stability.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani, during the call, reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting diplomatic missions, including those within the international coalition’s mission and its facilities. He emphasized that the security forces are capable of pursuing and revealing those involved in these attacks, regardless of their affiliation. However, he warned against direct retaliation without the government’s approval, highlighting the importance of avoiding a recurrence of previous attacks, such as the one in Al-Nasr Cliff.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin welcomed the Iraqi government’s stance, condemning the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq and acknowledging Iraq’s efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. He underscored that such acts pose a threat to Iraq’s internal security.