Iraqi military chief’s office condoles families of two slain Baghdad security officers

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The director of the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir al-Shemari, visited on behalf of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and the Chief of Staff the families of two security personnel killed in the southern outskirts of Baghdad, the military said. The fallen officers were Brig. Gen. Hisham Muhammad Tella, director of the Karkh branch of the Baghdad Security Directorate, and officer Khalid Abbas Lefte, who died while on duty. During the condolence visit, al-Shemari, accompanied by senior security commanders, conveyed the prime minister's and chief of staff's messages of sympathy to the families. The visit emphasized that the two officers had made significant sacrifices in carrying out their duties to protect state personnel and enforce the rule of law. Al-Shemari said such attacks would only strengthen the resolve of security and service institutions to continue pursuing those who threaten national stability. He added that strict orders, described as an "iron hand," have been issued against those who target state personnel. The families of the slain officers expressed pride in their children's dedication to Iraq's security, according to the statement.