Baghdad and Moscow Discuss Legal Status of Russian Nationals Linked to ISIL

Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Moscow to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts and strengthen bilateral security cooperation. The discussions focused on the legal and administrative status of 147 individuals currently in Iraq who claim Russian citizenship and are suspected of affiliation with the ISIL terrorist group. Officials addressed the security implications of militants transferred from Syria to Iraq, emphasizing the need for enhanced intelligence sharing. Both parties underscored the importance of collaborative frameworks to manage the regional threat posed by extremist organizations. Al-Araji highlighted Iraq’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions across the Middle East, expressing appreciation for Russia’s support in promoting regional stability. Shoigu reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with Baghdad. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to convene the Iraq-Russia Joint Committee to further address shared security and economic interests. This upcoming session is expected to formalize administrative procedures regarding the detainees and expand bilateral engagement.