Iraq Denies Government Foreknowledge of US-Saudi Strikes on Popular Mobilization Forces
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, spokesperson for the Iraqi government, Haider Al-Aboudi, has refuted claims that the government was aware of strikes carried out by Saudi Arabia and the United States targeting PMF bases. He stated that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit a memorandum to the UN Security Council concerning the attacks on PMF headquarters.
Al-Aboudi also addressed concerns regarding employee salaries, clarifying that the assertion of payments being made every 40 days is inaccurate. He affirmed that employee rights have been secured.
Discussions are ongoing to streamline obstacles related to the state’s monopoly on weaponry. The government is progressing towards consolidating power in its hands, adhering to a defined timeline that concludes at the end of September.
The Iraqi Prime Minister has received a renewed invitation to visit Saudi Arabia, although a specific date has not yet been set and will be coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In separate remarks, Al-Aboudi noted that Iraq’s oil exports have been adversely affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. To mitigate this, the government is establishing strategic alternative routes with Turkey to support Iraq’s budget. Despite the current economic crisis, the government has refrained from resorting to external borrowing.
The government spokesperson announced that the anti-corruption campaign remains active, targeting individuals who exploit the Iraqi people’s wealth. The judiciary and government have initiated the process of sending judicial messages to Interpol and various countries to extradite wanted individuals, aiming to combat corruption.
Al-Aboudi confirmed that the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank are simultaneously implementing measures to address the financial crisis. He reiterated Iraq’s firm stance of neutrality, emphasizing that the country will not align with any specific axis or bloc and will support any political or economic cooperation.
Furthermore, Al-Aboudi disclosed that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has assigned relevant authorities the task of securing the air defense system. Security and military coordination is in place for the handover of facilities currently under the control of the international coalition following the withdrawal of its forces on September 30.
