Baghdad, Iraq – The Iraqi government announced on Saturday a security achievement: the thwarting of a plot to target vital sites after dismantling an armed network and arresting its members. Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi explained that a joint operation carried out by the intelligence service and the counter-terrorism service on Friday night resulted in the confiscation of devices, equipment, and drones in the network’s possession. The operation was conducted under the direct orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, without disclosing the number of those arrested or the nature of the targeted sites.
Al-Zaydi affirms his rejection of using Iraqi territory to threaten neighboring countries.
In a related development, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed regional developments and ways to reduce tensions. Al-Zaidi emphasized his country’s commitment to establishing balanced relations with neighboring states. He also stressed Baghdad’s firm stance of never allowing its territory to be used as a launching pad to threaten the security and stability of any regional state. He further emphasized the necessity of relying on dialogue to resolve crises.
The date of the international coalition’s withdrawal and prospects for cooperation with France
During talks with the French president, al-Zaidi reiterated that September 30th is the deadline for the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq. He stated that this step would allow for a focus on reconstruction and economic development. For his part, Macron praised the Iraqi government’s reform efforts. He also affirmed his country’s commitment to continuing its support for Baghdad in combating terrorism and corruption, and to expanding economic and investment partnerships between the two countries.
