Pro-Iran factions are facing possible prosecution and conviction by Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, as US strikes continue to target their positions in areas suspected of launching attacks on diplomatic missions and American interests in the Kurdistan region.
On Monday evening, an attack targeted the United Arab Emirates consulate and Erbil airport near a US base, according to videos and eyewitnesses, while the Iraqi government is moving toward announcing the names of those responsible after attempts to halt the attacks, which have continued for about a week, failed.
A drone struck the UAE consulate in the Mass City area on the road linking Erbil with the Salahaddin district, without causing any reported damage.
Condemnations
Iraq’s foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned attacks targeting diplomatic missions and consulates in Baghdad and the Kurdistan region, reaffirming its rejection of any assault on diplomatic missions and saying the competent authorities would take legal action against those involved.
In a statement, the ministry said Iraq’s position was firm in rejecting any attacks against diplomatic and consular missions and stressed its commitment to providing full protection to ensure they can continue operating and carrying out their duties in a safe environment, in line with relevant international obligations.
The ministry added that Iraqi authorities were closely monitoring any incidents affecting diplomatic missions and would take the necessary legal measures against those responsible to safeguard their security and prevent such attacks from recurring.
The UAE also condemned the drone attack on its consulate in the Kurdistan region, saying the targeting of diplomatic missions and premises constituted a violation of international norms and laws.
It called on the governments in Baghdad and Erbil to reveal the circumstances of the attack and hold those responsible accountable.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the UAE and likewise condemned the targeting of the Emirati consulate general in the Kurdistan region, saying the attack violated international norms and laws and stressing the need to respect the sanctity of diplomatic mission buildings.
Judicial measures
In a later development, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met on Tuesday with Faiq Zaidan, head of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, to discuss “judicial and legal measures taken against the perpetrators of terrorist crimes represented by attacks on diplomatic missions, institutions and citizens in Iraq,” according to a statement.
It is one of the rare occasions in Iraq when firm positions are voiced against the conduct of the factions, while observers note that the targeting of diplomatic missions could turn into a judicial case leading to trials of members and leaders of these Iran-aligned groups.
However, observers doubt the government’s ability to confront the Iran-backed armed factions that continue launching rockets and drones at various sites across Iraq. Many of the attacks have focused on the Kurdistan region, which has been hit by more than 200 strikes targeting various locations, infrastructure and foreign consulates.
The group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said on Tuesday it had carried out 37 military operations within the past 24 hours inside Iraq and elsewhere in the region.
As the attacks persist, reliable sources say the failure of attempts to curb the factions may push the Iraqi government to “expose the groups involved in the attacks by name,” according to Iraqi officials cited by sources.
The government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, whose term is ending, is facing local, regional and international pressure to rein in the armed groups. Authorities have shown little capacity to act effectively and often limit their responses to mere condemnations, placing the government in an embarrassing position before citizens and the international community.
On Sunday, Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, presented Baghdad with what he said was a list of names of some of the armed groups attacking the region, though federal authorities have yet to take serious action.
The US Consulate General in Erbil confirmed on Tuesday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with al-Sudani.
It said Rubio strongly condemned the terrorist attacks carried out by Iran and terrorist militias allied with it in Iraq, including the Kurdistan region, referring to attacks targeting US diplomatic missions and facilities in Iraq and the Kurdistan region.
Both sides stressed the importance of the Iraqi government taking all necessary measures to protect US personnel and diplomatic facilities.
“Deep state”
Kifah Mahmoud, media adviser to Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, said he doubted the federal government’s ability to confront the armed factions.
“What is strange about these attacks is that the government forms investigation committees involving parliament and security agencies — most of them from influential Shiite forces — then they investigate and identify those responsible, but they do not announce the results or take any action against them,” Mahmoud told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Mahmoud said Iraqi actors may be deliberately covering up the results of investigations or are too weak to hold the perpetrators accountable.
“It is difficult to hold these groups accountable because they form a deep state that possesses all the means necessary to practice its terrorism against the state and its legitimate institutions,” he said.
Kidnapping risk
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Baghdad warned American citizens in Iraq on Tuesday of rising security risks, saying they face threats including kidnapping and attacks targeting US citizens and their interests, and urging them to leave the country when conditions permit.
In a security alert, the embassy said Iran and armed groups loyal to it continue to pose a serious threat to public security, urging US citizens to exercise caution, avoid drawing attention to themselves and stay away from locations associated with the US or where Americans gather.
The alert said previous attacks had targeted American citizens and interests in Iraq, warning that US nationals face kidnapping risks. US companies, hotels frequented by foreigners and other facilities linked to the United States have also been attacked in the past.
The embassy added that citizens who choose to remain in Iraq should be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods and ensure they have food, water, medicines and other essential supplies.
