Sunday, December 10, 2023

Iraq Initiates Joint Task Force Following Mortar Attack on U.S. Embassy, 10 DEC

 Iraq Initiates Joint Task Force Following Mortar Attack on U.S. Embassy

On December 9, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad witnessed a significant mortar attack, the most substantial assault on U.S. interests since the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7th. The attack involved approximately seven mortar shells, underscoring the volatile nature of the current geopolitical landscape.

Formation of Joint Task Force

In response to the attack, Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, has ordered the creation of a joint task force. The task force’s mandate is to investigate the security officials responsible for the area surrounding the U.S. Embassy. This move signifies the government’s commitment to maintaining the security of diplomatic missions in the country.

Accountability and Justice

The Iraqi armed forces have referred the officers and personnel responsible for the area’s security to specialized investigative committees. This step aims to hold accountable those who were negligent in their duties. The task force, under the direct supervision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is committed to pursuing the perpetrators, arresting them, and ensuring they face justice.

Enhanced Security Measures

In response to these incidents, security measures are to be considerably stringent. Security forces have been granted broad powers to counter immediate threats to the safety of diplomatic missions and locations of international advisors. This incident follows a series of attacks on military bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since mid-October, claimed by Iranian-backed armed groups in retaliation to the U.S. support for Israel.

In a call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting diplomatic missions and personnel of the international coalition. The world watches in anticipation as the Iraqi government takes decisive steps to ensure the safety of international diplomatic missions and combat the rising tide of violence.


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