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Iraq issued a strong condemnation on Wednesday against a series of US airstrikes conducted on its territory, targeting Iran-backed groups accused by Washington of orchestrating attacks against US troops. Government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi asserted that the strikes, carried out in the pre-dawn hours on both Tuesday and Wednesday, were executed "without the knowledge of Iraqi government agencies," categorizing them as an "unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty."
Al-Awadi's statement underscores Iraq's official position, asserting its right to control military actions on its soil and objecting to external interventions without proper consultation. The condemnation reflects the delicate diplomatic balance Iraq must navigate, caught between the interests of the United States and its own sovereignty concerns.
While expressing discontent with the US airstrikes, Al-Awadi did not shy away from criticizing the Iran-backed groups targeted in the attacks. The Pentagon attributes at least 32 separate attacks on US targets in Iraq to these groups since October 17. Al-Awadi's statement emphasized that any armed actions outside the military institution are deemed condemnable and unlawful, potentially jeopardizing national interests.
The remarks highlight the complex geopolitical landscape in the region, with Iraq finding itself entangled in the tensions between the United States and Iran. As the US continues to assert its security interests in the region, Iraq's response underscores the nuanced diplomatic challenges faced by nations caught in the crossfire of broader geopolitical dynamics. The incident brings attention to the delicate balance required in managing domestic concerns while navigating the intricate web of international relations.
Iraq Denounces US Airstrikes Targeting Iran-Backed Groups as Breach of Sovereignty
