Iraq says its territory will not be used as base for operations against neighbors

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Joint Operations Command said the country will not be used as a base to target any state, including its neighbors, according to a statement carried by the Security Media Cell. A security meeting at the Joint Operations Command headquarters reviewed efforts to safeguard security gains, maintain control of areas of responsibility, and protect critical targets, international borders and diplomatic missions. The meeting was attended by the head of the Counter-Terrorism Service, the deputy chief of staff for operations, intelligence directors and a number of security commanders. Relevant commanders from the ministries of defense and interior joined the discussions via closed-circuit television. Participants also stressed that attempts to undermine internal security and damage Iraq's relations with its neighbors would be confronted decisively. The command reiterated that Iraq's sovereignty, security and stability must be respected.