Iraq says coordinating with Kuwait over deadly shooting of Iraqi fishermen

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Foreign Ministry said it is tracking an incident in which an Iraqi fishing boat was fired upon on July 3, 2026, leaving one fisherman dead, and is coordinating with Kuwaiti authorities through the Iraqi Embassy in Kuwait City. The ministry said Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein raised the case with Kuwaiti officials during a July 8, 2026 visit to Kuwait, accompanied by National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji and Basra Governor Asaad al-Idani. Hussein asked Kuwait to clarify the circumstances of the incident, release detained Iraqi fishermen and return the body of the deceased. According to the ministry, Kuwait responded positively to the requests and stated that the incident took place at night, asserting that its forces did not intend to cause casualties. The ministry added that Iraq's Navy and other relevant units are responsible for safeguarding security in the northern Persian Gulf under existing legal authority. It said diplomatic engagement with Kuwaiti counterparts has been ongoing since the incident was first reported. No further details on the detained fishermen or the investigation were immediately available.