Relations between the United States and Iraq are facing a serious test after an incident in western Iraq where seven members of the security forces were killed in an attack on a military clinic. While Baghdad talks about the violation of sovereignty and summons the American diplomat with a sharp note of protest, Washington categorically rejects the accusations.
The US State Department rejects claims that the United States targeted Iraqi security forces. The department’s spokesman made the comments on Thursday, a day after Iraqi officials reported an attack on a military clinic in western Iraq that killed seven members of the security forces. TASR informs about it according to the report of the AFP agency.
- The US State Department denies that the US targeted Iraqi security forces.
- Seven policemen died in an attack on a military clinic in western Iraq.
- The Iraqi government says the incident seriously undermines relations between Iraq and the United States.
- Iraq summoned the American chargé d’affaires and delivered a sharp note of protest.
“Allegations that the United States has targeted Iraqi security forces are categorically false, incompatible with the US-Iraqi partnership, and offensive to the longstanding friendship and cooperation between US and Iraqi forces,” the spokesman said.
Allegations of an attack on western Iraq
Iraqi authorities have not directly blamed the US for the strike that hit western Iraq this week. Baghdad said on Wednesday that the incident “undermines the ties between the people of Iraq and the United States.” In addition, Iraq announced that it would summon the American chargé d’affaires. According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s office, they were to deliver a sharply worded protest note expressing “Iraq’s firm and unwavering position to preserve Iraqi sovereignty” and at the same time condemning “irresponsible actions that constitute a heinous crime”, Anadolu Agency reported.
Since the outbreak of the war in Iran on February 28, there have been attacks in Iraq as well. Pro-Iranian armed groups claim almost daily attacks on US facilities in Iraq and in the wider region, with their positions subsequently targeted for retaliation. Baghdad on Tuesday granted former paramilitary groups and pro-Iranian factions within the official Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) the “right to respond in self-defence” to attacks. However, he also promised to prosecute groups that target American interests.
