Baghdad Bolsters Deployment in 'Vulnerable' Areas, Warns Armed Factions

Iraq's military is bolstering its presence in sensitive border regions and issuing a stern warning against the use of its territory for attacks on neighboring nations. A key deadline looms: September 30, by which all weapons are to be under state control, coinciding with the withdrawal of the U.S.-led international coalition. Sabah al-Numan, spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, declared that after this date, no arms will operate outside government authority, and all military decisions will be solely the government's prerogative.

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After September 30, there will be no weapons outside state control and no military decisions beyond government authority.

Al-Numan asserted that Iraq's borders are secure and any threat launched from Iraqi soil would be deemed illegal, with perpetrators facing legal consequences. He specifically addressed claims by Iran, which stated that officers from its Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed in U.S.-Saudi airstrikes targeting Iran-aligned militias on Iraqi territory. Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes were a response to drone attacks intercepted in late July. Al-Numan also clarified that Iraq currently has no partnership with Iranian advisers.

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Iraq’s borders with neighboring countries are fully secured.

Amidst these pronouncements, security forces were placed on high alert in Baghdad due to intelligence about potential armed faction activity. Reports indicated Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the Counter-Terrorism Service to redeploy and all forces to increase combat readiness. These measures followed meetings between judicial and military leaders. Security sources suggested the deployments aimed to close security gaps, particularly in desert areas along Iraq's borders.

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Any threat launched from Iraqi territory against neighboring countries would be considered an illegal act and those responsible would face firm legal action.

By Friday morning, forces had reportedly returned to normal positions after receiving information that armed factions had either retreated or postponed their plans. Politically, sources close to Prime Minister al-Zaidi suggest he is increasingly focused on consolidating state authority and asserting national sovereignty, particularly as the coalition's mission concludes and the deadline for weapon control approaches.

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The decision to go to war was a sovereign one held by PM al-Zaidi in his capacity as also Commander-in-Chief.