Iraq claims Ukrainian cells attacked inside country, Kyiv denies

Controversy erupted in Iraq following claims by National Security Adviser Qasim al-Aboudi that "Ukrainian cells" were responsible for attacks within the country. Al-Aboudi stated that an intelligence unit concluded there was "Ukrainian interference" and that arrested individuals admitted to working for Ukraine. However, he did not identify the targeted installations or confirm any links to U.S. or Iraqi interests, referring only to "limited strikes."

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We have an intelligence unit tasked with analyzing information, and it concluded that there is Ukrainian interference in Iraq.

The remarks, made about a month after al-Aboudi's appointment, have raised questions. Some commentators suggested al-Aboudi may have compromised security protocols by disclosing information before investigations were complete, while others criticized the failure to observe diplomatic and intelligence protocols with Ukraine. Social media users reportedly expressed ridicule.

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We arrested a small number of groups that carried out strikes inside Iraqi territory and targeted several installations. During questioning, they admitted that they were working for Ukraine.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the allegations, stating there was no evidence to support them. The ministry emphasized that Iraqi authorities had not raised any concerns through official channels before the public remarks were made. Kyiv called the comments from a senior Iraqi official "unacceptable and irresponsible," asserting they contradicted mutual respect and harmed Ukrainian-Iraqi relations.

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Had these allegations had any basis, it would have been natural to raise them through official channels.

The Ukrainian ministry suggested the comments might align with Russian propaganda aimed at discrediting Ukraine and damaging its relations with Middle Eastern countries. They also posited that the remarks could stem from external media influence or a coordinated information operation to destabilize Ukrainian-Iraqi relations, urging Iraqi authorities to prevent state institutions from spreading misinformation.

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It called the comments by a senior official in a friendly country unacceptable and irresponsible, saying they contradicted the principles of mutual respect and harmed Ukrainian-Iraqi relations.