Baghdad placed weapons outside the authority of the state under prosecution, after attacks targeted Saudi Arabia and were launched, according to the Iraqi authorities, from Iraqi territory, while the security services revealed the seizure of 15 platforms for launching drones, in conjunction with expanding investigations to uncover the parties involved.
The spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Sabah al-Numan, confirmed in statements to Al Arabiya that Baghdad will not allow any security violations affecting neighboring countries, stressing that Iraq “will not be part of regional tensions.”
Al-Numan said that the Iraqi authorities appreciate Saudi Arabia’s position aimed at containing the situation following the recent attacks that targeted the Kingdom, stressing that the security services are pursuing any party that uses weapons outside the framework of the state.
He revealed that the security services were able to control 15 platforms for launching marches, while higher committees in Maysan Governorate continue their investigations into the attacks, in conjunction with taking a series of security measures in the governorate.
He pointed to the issuance of “firm directives” to dismiss those who were negligent in the security file, pointing out that the authorities will work to deploy sufficient security forces in Maysan, and reiterating that Baghdad will not allow the use of weapons outside the framework of state institutions or the implementation of violations affecting neighboring countries.
In this context, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed his refusal to use Iraq as an arena for others’ conflicts or as a launching pad for attacks on neighboring countries, stressing that attempts to tamper with the country’s security will be confronted with the unity of the people and the position of the government and the armed forces.
Al-Zaidi added that the government will work to prevent the transfer of peace and war decisions outside the authority of the state, in addition to reforming the economy, combating corruption, and strengthening the authority of institutions. He stressed that the security services will confront attempts to undermine Iraq’s security, and will work to “deter aggressors and break their power.”
Al-Zaidi and Al-Numan’s statements coincide with the Iraqi authorities expanding their investigations into the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. The head of the Iraqi Security Media Cell, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, had previously announced the seizure of a missile launching pad inside Iraqi territory, which he said was used to target the Saudi pipeline, stressing the continuation of field and intelligence work to reach those involved.
Baghdad also announced the existence of continuous communication with Saudi Arabia to exchange intelligence and security information and inform it of the results of the investigations.
As part of the measures taken, directives were issued to replace and relieve a number of security leaders and officials, while the Iraqi authorities confirmed that these steps aim to tighten command and control and enhance field follow-up.
Saudi Arabia announced that the “East-West” pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions had been attacked, prompting its precautionary suspension, while the attacks resulted in some casualties.
Following the attacks, Baghdad confirmed that it would not allow Iraqi territory to be used as a launching pad for attacks on Saudi Arabia or any other neighboring country, while the security services continue their investigations to identify the parties involved.
