Iraqi Parliament demands answers over airport military breach
Shafaq News/ Iraq's parliamentary security and defense committee launched an investigation into reports of a foreign force storming Najaf International Airport, an Iraqi MP said on Wednesday.
The committee member, Yasser Watout, told Shafaq News that the event, which occurred two days ago remains unclear, adding that Najaf authorities should explain what happened, 'as they are responsible for the security of the airport.'
'Any breach of an Iraqi airport is a violation of Iraq's sovereignty and cannot be justified under any circumstances,' he pointed out, stressing, 'This matter cannot be ignored or taken lightly.' he further revealed that a formal position on the issue will be announced within the next two days after the investigation.
On Monday, eight black armored vehicles carrying armed US personnel stormed the airport and conducted searches without official authorization, additionally, two Black Hawk helicopters carrying a US official and several soldiers also landed at the airport, but Iraqi security forces denied them entry after they refused to surrender their weapons or present official clearance, forcing them to leave, a security source reported.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Iranian UN Mission reaffirms nuclear stance amid tensions
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Iran's mission to the United Nations reaffirmed that diplomacy instead of military strength is the only viable path forward. In a statement released following news of American regional actions and preparations to evacuate embassies, the Iranian mission reiterated Tehran's position on nuclear weapons, stating, 'Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon,' and warned that 'the US militarism only fuels instability.' The mission also claimed that 'the legacy of US Central Command in enabling Israel's crimes strips it of any credibility on peace or non-proliferation.' Threats of 'overwhelming force' won't change facts:Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and U.S. militarism only fuels legacy of fueling regional instability, through arming aggressors and enabling Israeli crimes, strips it of any credibility to speak on… — Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) June 11, 2025 Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Tehran would target US bases in the region if nuclear talks failed or a conflict erupted with Washington. Nasirzadeh told reporters that Iran still hoped for positive results from talks with the United States, but remained prepared to respond. 'If conflict is imposed on us, the opponent's losses will certainly exceed ours,' he stated. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a notice warning vessels in the region of heightened tensions that could lead to increased military activity impacting seafarers directly. The advisory urged caution in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. Although it did not name Iran, those waterways have previously been the site of Iranian ship seizures and attacks.
Shafaq News
5 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US Defense Official to Shafaq News: Middle East tensions under watch
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, the US Department of Defense confirmed that it has authorized the voluntary departure of military families from several locations within the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations, which covers Iraq and other countries across the Middle East. 'The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority and US Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East,' a US Defense Official told Shafaq News, adding that 'CENTCOM is working in close coordination with our Department of State counterparts, as well as our Allies and partners in the region to maintain a constant state of readiness to support any number of missions around the world at any time.' Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Baghdad affirmed to Shafaq News that 'US President Donald Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad', explaining that 'In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq.' A senior Iraqi government official told Shafaq News that 'There are no security indicators on the Iraqi side that justify an evacuation,' clarifying, 'steps concern the American diplomatic presence in several countries in the region, not Iraq alone'. These developments come amid rising regional tensions, particularly following comments by Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, who warned that Iran would strike US bases in the region if a confrontation erupted with Washington over nuclear negotiation.
Shafaq News
8 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US Embassy to Shafaq News: President Trump committed to Americans safety
Shafaq News/ US President Donald Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Baghdad said in an exclusive statement to Shafaq News Agency on Wednesday. 'In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq,' the spokesperson added. This came following an announcement from the embassy about a reduction in its staff in Iraq, confirming that the decision is part of broader regional measures aimed at ensuring the safety of American personnel. 'These steps concern the American diplomatic presence in several countries in the region, not Iraq alone,' A senior Iraqi government official told Shafaq News, adding that 'There are no security indicators on the Iraqi side that justify an evacuation.' The official reiterated that all available intelligence and security briefings point to increasing stability and internal security in Iraq. 'All Arab and foreign diplomatic missions operating in Iraq enjoy full freedom of movement, safe working conditions, and operational effectiveness across the country—not only in the capital, Baghdad,' the official noted.
