Iraq disarms, clears out separatist groups from its border with Iran

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
19 Sep 2023 19:05

Iraq announces the complete evacuation of separatist group headquarters near the Iraqi-Iranian border, in line with their security agreement with Tehran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (R) and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein (L) hold a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran, on September 13, 2023. (AFP)

The headquarters of the separatist groups located on the Iraqi side of the Iraqi-Iranian border have been completely evacuated, the High Committee for the Implementation of the Joint Security Agreement with Iran in Iraq.

The committee said in a statement that the operation was completed based on the commitment to meet the provisions of the joint security agreement with Iran. It added that the joint high committee between Iran and Iraq as well as Iraq's federal government and the regional government worked together to complete the process.

"The terrorist groups have been relocated far from the border, and their weapons have been confiscated in preparation for awarding refugee statuses according to the regulations of the [Iraqi] refugee commission."

"The federal border forces have been deployed in those areas, and the Iraqi flag has been raised there," the committee stated, adding that Iraqi forces will be permanently stationed in the cleared areas.

Terrorists that threatened Iranian national security were pushed out of their hideouts marking a significant step in advancing security along the border with Iran.

The Iraqi government will now assume the responsibility of protecting these groups after disarming them and will continue to implement the rest of the provisions of its agreement with Tehran.

Iraq meets the September 19 deadline

The statement also noted that the representative of the United Nations Secretary-General attended the meetings held in Erbil and Baghdad and expressed support for the Iraqi government's efforts in implementing the provisions of the agreement.

Iraq reaffirmed its position that border security is a shared responsibility between the two countries, with the Security Agreement serving as the primary framework for addressing any disputes or violations.

Additionally, the statement emphasized the value of dialogue as a peaceful means for resolving issues or conflicts, with the aim of further strengthening the existing relations between the two nations.

Earlier on Monday, Iraq's National Security Advisor, Qassem al-Araji arrived at Erbil, chairing a senior security delegation to oversee the implementation of the security agreement between Iraq and Iran.

Furthermore, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the same day in New York. During the talks, the two top diplomats addressed subjects of common interest, as well as Iraqi Kurdistan-related files.

Later on Tuesday, Hussein reaffirmed that Iran will face no threats through the Iraqi Kurdistan region in accordance with the security agreement between Tehran and Baghdad, underscoring Baghdad's unwavering dedication to guaranteeing that its territories are not utilized as launching pads for any form of aggression against neighboring nations.