Baghdad: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the recent incident involving the shooting of an Iraqi fishing boat near Kuwait, which resulted in the death of an Iraqi fisherman and the detention of others.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry stated that Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has directed relevant departments within the Ministry and the Iraqi Embassy in Kuwait to urgently investigate and clarify the details surrounding the incident. During his official visit, Hussein raised the issue with Kuwaiti leadership and Interior Minister Fahd Al-Yousef, emphasizing Iraq's firm stance against such incidents that threaten citizens' lives and harm bilateral relations.

The Ministry further reported that a video recording of the incident was presented by the Kuwaiti side in the presence of National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Aboudi and Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani. The Kuwaiti authorities explained that the incident occurred at night and assured that there was no intentional harm caused. In response to Hussein's request, the Kuwaiti side pledged to release the detained fishermen and return the deceased's body to the authorities in Basra Governorate.

The Ministry also highlighted Fuad Hussein's instructions to the embassy to continue monitoring the investigation and coordinate with the Iraqi naval command. It reiterated that ensuring the security of Iraqi territorial waters and the safety of individuals is the responsibility of Iraqi authorities, particularly the naval forces, in line with existing laws.