Latest news with #SecurityMediaCell
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Radar warfare puts Iraq's aerial surveillance at risk
Shafaq News A wave of drone and rocket attacks targeting Iraq's radar and air surveillance systems has raised alarms about the country's deteriorating aerial security and its capacity to protect both military and civilian infrastructure. The campaign, marked by the destruction of critical radar units in Baghdad, Dhi Qar, and Kirkuk, has exposed gaps in Iraq's air defense architecture and stirred calls for urgent strategic reform. Coordinated Attacks Attacks on June 24 involving swarms of small suicide drones and Katyusha rockets directly hit Iraqi military radar installations. According to Major General Sabah Al-Naaman, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, two radar systems were destroyed — one at the Taji Camp north of Baghdad and another at Imam Ali Airbase in Dhi Qar. Al-Naaman confirmed that Iraqi forces intercepted and downed four additional drones en route to separate military sites, asserting that these 'cowardly acts' would not go unanswered. While no casualties were reported, the nature and precision of the strikes prompted renewed concern over Iraq's surveillance resilience. Security sources told Shafaq News that the targeted radar in Dhi Qar had recently intercepted a reconnaissance drone, suggesting that the strike may have been retaliatory. In Baghdad, the Security Media Cell reported that two unidentified drones were detected over the capital. One struck a non-operational radar unit at the Taji base, while the other crashed near a power generator. Separately, drone wreckage was discovered in the Radwaniyah area west of the city. Kirkuk has also emerged as a new hotspot in this wave of attacks. In recent days, the city has been targeted repeatedly by drones and rockets, with particular focus on its dual-use airport. Turkmen MP Arshad Al-Salihi described the situation as a 'dangerous indicator of the scale of the security breach,' demanding an immediate inquiry. 'What's more troubling,' he told Shafaq News, 'is that no one knows where these drones are launched from — and the fact that airport radar systems failed to detect them raises serious concerns.' Despite the aerial assaults, Kirkuk International Airport has continued to operate. Airport spokesman Herdi Al-Salihi emphasized the facility's 'full operational readiness.' Nevertheless, the airport sustained a direct hit earlier when three unidentified projectiles landed within its perimeter. Two landed on the military side and one in the civilian section, causing a minor fire. One person was lightly injured. The fire was quickly contained, and the airport confirmed that no structural damage occurred. Drone Campaign Undermines Air Control Security observers and defense experts have begun referring to the pattern of attacks as an emerging form of 'radar warfare.' Brigadier General Ammar Al-Azzawi cautioned that low-flying drones present a unique challenge, as they can evade standard radar detection systems without advanced early warning integration. 'The only way forward,' Al-Azzawi argued, 'is to integrate all civil and military radar systems into a unified national grid and to upgrade Iraq's air defense platforms to counter modern threats.' Observers believe these are not random acts of sabotage but coordinated elements of an intelligence-driven campaign, as shown by their near-simultaneous strikes across distant provinces. As drone warfare reshapes the battlefield across the region, Iraq's continued exposure could leave not only its military infrastructure but also its civilian aviation and population centers vulnerable to paralyzing strikes.
Iraqi News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Drone strikes hit Iraqi bases hours after Trump announces Iran-Israel ceasefire
Baghdad ( – Just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, bringing a moment of cautious relief to a region on the brink, a series of sophisticated and coordinated suicide drone attacks struck multiple Iraqi military bases at dawn on Tuesday (June 24, 2025). The audacious assault shattered the fragile, newfound calm, raising fears that spoiler groups are attempting to derail the peace effort and drag Iraq deeper into a devastating regional conflict. The attacks appeared to be a strategic effort to cripple Iraq's air defense capabilities. At Al-Taji Military Base north of Baghdad, an unknown drone struck a key 'French radar' system, causing a large explosion and fire. The Security Media Cell later confirmed another drone had crashed near a power generator in the same area, while wreckage from a third was found in the Radwaniyah district west of the capital. Simultaneously, far to the south in Dhi Qar province, another drone attack targeted and reportedly 'completely destroyed' a radar system at Imam Ali Air Base. Sources noted that this specific radar had successfully shot down a hostile reconnaissance drone just days prior, suggesting the facility may have been a retaliatory target. The scale of the assault became clear as further reports emerged. An attempted drone attack on the sprawling Ain al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province was successfully intercepted by its defense systems. In a sobering statement, the Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief, Major General Yahya Rasool, confirmed that these were part of a wider operation, revealing that a total of four other attacks on different military sites were also thwarted, with security forces successfully shooting down the incoming drones. Crucially, Rasool emphasized that all targeted locations are fully Iraqi military sites managed by Iraqi personnel, making this a direct assault on the sovereignty of the Iraqi state. He confirmed that while there was 'significant damage' to the radar systems at Al-Taji and Imam Ali, there were no human casualties. In response to the 'treacherous criminal acts,' Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, has ordered the formation of a high-level technical and intelligence committee to investigate the attacks, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. The spokesperson concluded with a firm vow that these attacks 'will not go unpunished.'
Iraqi News
30-05-2025
- Iraqi News
JOC: Airstrikes targeted 6 terrorists in Salah al-Din
Baghdad-INA The Joint Operations Command (JOC) announced on Friday that six terrorists were targeted in airstrikes in Wadi al-Shai, Salah al-Din Governorate. The Joint Operations Command stated, according to a statement by the Security Media Cell received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that 'in one of the distinguished operations in which monitoring and surveillance continued for more than two consecutive months by the heroes of the Federal Intelligence and Investigation Agency in the Ministry of Interior for a terrorist group in Wadi Al-Shai within the Salah al-Din sector, and with technical follow-up and monitoring from the targeting cell in the Joint Operations Command throughout last night and Friday morning, and as a result of this accurate information, the heroes of the Air Force carried out air strikes using F-16 and Cessna Caravan aircraft on the place where this group of (6) terrorist elements was located and it was completely destroyed.' The statement indicated that "the units are still monitoring and following up in this sector."
Iraqi News
22-05-2025
- Iraqi News
SMC Announces Details of the Airstrike Targeted a Terrorist Hideout in Balkana Mountains
The Security Media Cell SMC announced on Thursday the details of the airstrike that targeted a terrorist hideout in the Balkana Mountains. In a statement obtained by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the SMC said 'Further to our statement issued on May 20 regarding the airstrike carried out by F-16 aircraft in the Balkana mountain range within the operational sector of East Salah al-Din, the strike was conducted based on precise intelligence and exceptional efforts by the heroes of the Military Intelligence Directorate, planned by the Targeting Cell of the Joint Operations Command, and targeted a terrorist hideout.' The statement added 'A force consisting of heroes from the 88th Brigade of the East Salah al-Din Operations Command, along with personnel from the Military Intelligence Directorate and a significant engineering effort, set out to inspect the strike location despite the region's rough terrain, difficult geography, and the challenge of accessing it with various types of vehicles.' The statement further noted 'The force discovered the bodies of two terrorists at the time of this report's preparation, in addition to weapons, logistical materials, mobile phones, and incriminating evidence. The search and intelligence-gathering operations are ongoing within the area of responsibility.'
Iraqi News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
SMC: Arab Media Conference an Opportunity to Correct Stereotypes About Iraq
Head of the Security Media Cell, Major General Saad Maan, stated today, Wednesday, that the Arab Media Conference in Baghdad represents a significant opportunity to correct prevailing stereotypes about Iraq. He noted that the participation of more than 200 Arab media professionals in the conference sends a clear message of confidence in the country's current stability. Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Maan said: 'The fourth edition of the Arab Media Conference, held in Baghdad under the patronage of the Iraqi Media Network, is an important platform for conveying an accurate picture of the reality in Iraq—free from flattery or media distortion.' He added, 'We are in urgent need of presenting a realistic image of Iraq. We do not seek promotion or compliments, but rather a precise and honest portrayal of the situation. Iraq, and Baghdad in particular, has long suffered from media injustice and either intentional or inaccurate misrepresentation.' Maan emphasized that 'the presence of over 200 Arab journalists and representatives from Arab media institutions marks a genuine breakthrough in the effort to correct the false stereotypes about Iraq,' affirming that 'the security situation in Baghdad is largely stable, comparable to that of many regional and international capitals.' He further explained that 'presenting reality as it is benefits not only Arab media, but also the region and the world, because Iraq is deeply rooted in history, active in shaping the future, and a key player in the equation of stability and development.' He stressed the importance of 'unifying Arab media discourse on shared issues, avoiding fragmentation and narrow agendas.'
