Baghdad: Sabah al-Nu’man, spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, announced on Thursday that the Commander-in-Chief’s priority is a drug-free Iraq. While noting that firm action will be taken against anyone spreading rumors or engaging in sectarian rhetoric, he affirmed that the process of regulating weapons is proceeding and that dialogues with faction leaders are ongoing.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Nu’man stated during a press conference that September 30 marks the deadline for concluding the International Coalition’s mission, which aligns with the Iraqi government’s will and signifies the culmination of Iraqi sovereignty. He observed that Iraq is witnessing a daily acceleration in the withdrawal of foreign forces, with the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces closely monitoring the process and facilitating it by granting movement permits to International Coalition forces.
Al-Nu’man emphasized the security forces’ ongoing efforts in tracking ISIS remnants, with Operation Inherent Resolve set to conclude on September 30. He highlighted the high level of coordination among all security entities under the Commander-in-Chief’s supervision. A recent security meeting addressed several issues, including operational readiness, collaboration between federal and regional forces, border crossings, the narcotics file, and the handover of wanted individuals. The meeting resulted in significant decisions presented to the Commander-in-Chief, reinforcing that the security forces are fully prepared to safeguard Iraq’s security, aiming to create an Iraq free from terrorism and attractive for investment.
On the issue of narcotics, Al-Nu’man noted the Commander-in-Chief’s visit to the General Directorate for Combating Narcotics, where he received a briefing on efforts to reduce narcotics trade. The Directorate presented statistics and achievements in arresting traffickers, with the Commander-in-Chief underscoring the strategic importance of this issue. Coordination meetings with the Peshmerga included directives for promptly handing over wanted persons and focusing on addiction treatment, conveying a warning to traffickers and users.
Al-Nu’man also highlighted the Commander-in-Chief’s directive to protect demonstrators, recognizing the public order forces’ significant efforts. In terms of armament and air defense, he noted the ongoing support and directives to equip security institutions, with progress made in armament deals with the US, Korea, and Turkey.
Addressing rumors and hate speech, Al-Nu’man stated that directives from the judiciary instruct security agencies to strictly handle those promoting hate speech and extremism. The Office of the Commander-in-Chief, in coordination with the judiciary and the Media Commission, is monitoring and taking action against sectarian rhetoric and hate speech.
Regarding the relationship with coalition forces, Al-Nu’man mentioned that the nature of the relationship will be determined post-mission with a committee overseeing interactions with involved countries. He emphasized the commitment to regulating weapons within the state’s framework, driven by religious and political leaders’ desire for state control, with some factions already surrendering their weapons.
On land use, Al-Nu’man reiterated the government’s stance against using Iraqi territory for attacks on neighboring countries, noting that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has surrendered its weapons, with ongoing discussions with Turkey about their future relocation.