Iraq's army chief vows firm response to attacks on state personnel

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulamir al-Shammari, has pledged a firm security response to attacks targeting state personnel, vowing that assailants will be pursued decisively. Al-Shammari made the remarks while visiting condolence tents set up for troops killed during the removal of sidewalk encroachments in the Duwara area south of the capital. The attacks occurred on Wednesday in the Duwara, Karara and Diyala neighborhoods, where armed assailants opened fire on security forces carrying out the sidewalk clearance operation. A brigadier general and one security officer were killed, and four others were wounded, according to the statement. Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih al-Zaydi had instructed security authorities the previous day not to show leniency toward attacks on state personnel. Al-Shammari said such assaults would only reinforce the resolve of Iraq's security forces.