Iraqi President Calls on Security Forces to Prevent Infiltration of ISIS Militants

Iraqi President Barham Salih in Baghdad (AFP - Getty Images)
Iraqi President Barham Salih in Baghdad (AFP - Getty Images)
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Iraqi President Calls on Security Forces to Prevent Infiltration of ISIS Militants

Iraqi President Barham Salih in Baghdad (AFP - Getty Images)
Iraqi President Barham Salih in Baghdad (AFP - Getty Images)

Iraq President Barham Salih called on the national security services to carry out their duties in combating terrorism, including stopping ISIS from infiltrating Iraqi territories.

Salih met with the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army, First Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah, and the two discussed security developments in the country.

Salih stressed the need to support the state’s authority and its security agencies to better enforce the law, protect citizens, and enhance the capabilities of security forces.

For his part, Yarallah briefed the President about the recent military operations against ISIS.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Interior Minister Othman al-Ghanimi suspended three military commanders of the Arar border guard forces for not carrying out their duties during a recent terrorist attack.

The Ministry published a video showing an ISIS attack at the Arar crossing, on the border with Saudi Arabia, during which the terrorists opened fire on the border patrol of the Fifth Brigade of the Third Regiment.

A source at the ministry explained that the terrorists took control of al-Abyad police station, and stole communications equipment and a vehicle, as well as weapons.

The Iraqi security forces are trying to secure Kirkuk and Diyala following a series of ISIS attacks during the last period.



Egypt, Jordan and Others Call for a Halt to Israeli-Iranian Conflict 

A projectile crosses the sky above Jerusalem, 17 June 2025. (EPA)
A projectile crosses the sky above Jerusalem, 17 June 2025. (EPA)
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Egypt, Jordan and Others Call for a Halt to Israeli-Iranian Conflict 

A projectile crosses the sky above Jerusalem, 17 June 2025. (EPA)
A projectile crosses the sky above Jerusalem, 17 June 2025. (EPA)

Twenty countries denounced in a joint statement the escalating tensions in the Middle East caused by what they term Israel’s aggression against Iran and called for diplomacy and dialogue to restore stability in the region.

“There’s an imperative need to halt Israeli hostilities against Iran, which come during a time of increasing tension in the Middle East, and to work towards de-escalation, to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and restoration of calm,” read the statement.

Foreign ministers of Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, Chad, the Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, and Mauritania rejected finding resolution through military campaigns. Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates also condemned the escalation.

They also highlighted the importance of clearing the region of nuclear and mass destruction weapons and called for refraining from targeting nuclear facilities and protecting maritime navigation in international waters.