Iraq pledges to protect US embassies, military in its homeland after attacks

Baghdad, Oct 24 (EFE).- Iraq will protect United States military and diplomatic missions in the country after a series of attacks in recent days with missiles and drones against bases with American presence claimed by pro-Iranian groups, according to a Tuesday statement.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al Sudani received telephone calls Monday night from US State and Defense Secretaries Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, respectively, in which they addressed the conflict between Israel and Islamist group Hamas and attacks against bases with American presence.

Al Sudani spoke of “Iraq’s commitment to protecting military advisors and missions, diplomacy working in the country,” according to the statement, according to Iraq’s official news agency INA.

He said Blinken and the prime minister “renewed the commitment of the two countries to continue strengthening their partnership, in accordance with the principles contained in the Strategic Framework Agreement concluded between Iraq and the United States.”

It also said Austin and Al Sudani “discussed the presence of military advisors and crews of the international coalition to fight terrorism in Iraq, supporting the Iraqi security forces with advice and training, in addition to the importance of sustaining the victory over (the Islamic State.)”

Shiite armed groups have resumed operations, with missiles and drones, against bases with an American presence in Iraq, after a period of calm, following Israeli bombings against the Gaza Strip, which followed the multiple attack on Hamas on Oct. 7 against Israel.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday his country is “deeply concerned” about the possibility of an increase in these attacks in the coming days.

In the wake of attacks in recent days, the US Embassy announced Monday that it had ordered the departure of non-emergency mission personnel “due to increased security threats against US Government personnel and their interests.” EFE

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