Iraq's army chief vows firm response after attacks on state personnel in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's military chief has pledged a firm response to attacks targeting state personnel in Baghdad, following deadly clashes during security operations in the city's southern outskirts. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Abdulamir al-Shammari visited condolence tents set up for troops killed in the al-Dawra area, where sidewalk violation removals were under way. He said security forces would pursue the attackers with determination and respond firmly to any action directed against the state. The violence erupted Wednesday in the al-Dawra, Karara and Dijla neighborhoods when gunmen opened fire on security forces during the operations. A brigadier general and a security officer were killed, and four others were wounded. Prime Minister and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Ali Falih al-Zaydi on Wednesday ordered security services to show no leniency toward those targeting state personnel. Al-Shammari said such attacks would only reinforce the resolve of Iraq's security forces.