Iraq orders security steps to stop use of its territory in attacks on neighbors

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Ali Falih al-Zaydi directed Saturday that mechanisms be established to deter any violations or threats directed at neighboring countries from Iraqi territory, his office said. The premier chaired an extraordinary session and called for the creation of a joint security commission to address the challenges, according to a prime ministerial statement. Security agencies were tasked with enforcing the law, strengthening stability, safeguarding sovereignty and maintaining good-neighborly relations. The meeting affirmed that the armed forces are prepared to prevent any attempts targeting neighboring states and that Iraqi soil will not be allowed to be used as a base or transit route for attacks on "brotherly and friendly" countries. The statement said Jordan and Syria had informed the Iraqi government of militia movements detected near their borders, and that a warning had been relayed that any attack launched from their territory would not go unanswered, citing Al Arabiya, which attributed the report to official sources in both countries. No further details on the proposed joint commission or the timeline for implementation were immediately available.