Latest news with #IraqSecurity
Asharq Al-Awsat
5 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Unidentified Drones Destroy Iraqi Military Radar Systems
Iraq's Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate a series of drone attacks targeting military radar systems at two separate bases, officials said. The strikes hit a radar installation at the Taji military camp, north of Baghdad, and another at the Imam Ali airbase in the southern province of Dhi Qar. A third suspected drone attack reportedly struck a base near Baghdad International Airport, also housing radar systems, according to local media reports. The incidents came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, though it remained unclear whether the attacks were connected to the development. Sudani said on Tuesday his government would not tolerate any act – internal or external – that threatens national security, vowing a firm and decisive response. 'We will not show leniency toward any aggression that harms the security of Iraq,' Sudani said during a cabinet meeting, according to state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA). 'Our response will be resolute and strong,' added Sudani. He confirmed that Iraqi military bases were targeted in what he described as a 'cowardly and treacherous' attack using explosive-laden suicide drones. 'Our armed forces and air defenses responded swiftly to other attempted attacks on different bases, successfully intercepting and downing the drones,' Sudani said, without elaborating on the origin of the attacks. The prime minister also welcomed the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a 'positive step,' and expressed hope that the truce would be 'solid and lasting, not fragile.' Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, also described the drone strikes as 'cowardly and treacherous,' saying the attacks caused significant damage to radar infrastructure. In a statement, al-Numan said a swarm of small, explosive-laden drones had struck the military installations in Taji and Dhi Qar. He confirmed there were no casualties. Images circulating on social media showed flames engulfing the radar station at the Taji base. 'Our forces were able to thwart additional drone attacks targeting four other locations,' al-Numan added, noting that air defenses successfully downed the incoming UAVs before they reached their targets. All of the sites targeted in the recent drone attacks were fully operated by Iraqi security forces, dismissing speculation of foreign involvement. 'All targeted locations are exclusively Iraqi military sites, overseen and operated by officers and personnel from our heroic security forces,' said al-Numan. Following the coordinated attacks, Sudani ordered the creation of a high-level technical and intelligence committee to investigate the incidents, identify those responsible, and fully track the findings of the probe. 'These cowardly criminal acts will not go unpunished,' al-Numan said. 'Our armed forces remain the unshakable shield of Iraq, defending its people, land, and sovereignty.' Military sources revealed that the first drone strike destroyed a TPS-77 radar system at the Taji military base. A second attack targeted an AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar at the Imam Ali base. Local media also reported, citing unverified sources, that a third drone targeted a US-made radar system at Victoria Base near Baghdad International Airport, which has previously hosted US troops. Authorities have yet to confirm this claim. The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions following a US-brokered ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the nature and precision of the strikes have raised concerns about a potential escalation.
Asharq Al-Awsat
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Baghdad: Syria Did Not Request Security Guarantees for Summit Attendance
Baghdad confirmed that Syrian authorities did not request any security guarantees for President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to attend the upcoming Arab League Summit. Despite ongoing debate over Syria's participation, Iraq's Coordination Framework reiterated its support for the summit's success. Baghdad will host the 34th Arab League Summit on May 17. While there has been speculation about Syria's involvement, Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari stated that no official requests or communication were received from Damascus regarding security arrangements for Al-Sharaa. He emphasized that preparations to secure all delegations, including the Syrian president, are complete, and that the summit will proceed without road closures or curfews. On border security, Al-Shammari noted that the situation is stable, though parts of the Iraqi-Syrian border are under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He added that Iraq has increased its military presence near the Al-Qaim border crossing, where no Syrian forces are present, and that there is currently no direct security coordination between the two countries' interior ministries. Politically, the Coordination Framework — a coalition of Shiite political forces — issued a unified statement supporting the summit, stressing the need to prioritize national interests amid regional challenges. The group praised efforts to elevate Iraq's regional role through the successful hosting of the event. Meanwhile, prominent Shiite leader Ammar Al-Hakim called for engagement with Syria's new leadership, citing Iraq's strategic interests. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani echoed this sentiment, stating in a recent interview that Iraq aims not just to host, but to lead in offering solutions to Middle Eastern crises. Analysts suggest that Iraq's outreach to Syria has stirred internal political tensions, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of the national elections scheduled for November 2025.
