Iraqi PM orders military to raise combat readiness to highest level

Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has ordered the country's military to raise combat readiness to the highest possible level amid rapidly escalating regional tensions, ANFNews reports, citing the commander-in-chief's spokesperson.

The spokesperson said the directive applies to all military camps and bases across Iraq.

Iraqi Defence Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Abdullah al-Numan stated that the decision was taken in response to the rapid deterioration of the regional security situation.

"The security situation is undergoing a real and direct test as a result of the rapid escalation, which is placing intense pressure on sovereign institutions," he noted.

According to him, external powers were attempting to drag Iraq into military conflicts, stressing that safeguarding the country's sovereignty remained "a red line."

He also added that the authorities were documenting violations of Iraqi airspace by foreign states and would use the evidence in international forums to seek respect for Iraq's air sovereignty.

At the same time, the government is intensifying diplomatic efforts, emphasising that Iraq will not become a party to the conflict or serve as a launchpad for attacks against any country.

The commander-in-chief's directives also call for updating preventive intelligence plans to thwart potential attacks or infiltration attempts, redeploying forces to protect key facilities, and imposing a strict ban on handling security matters outside the chain of direct military command.

Particular emphasis is being placed on modernising Iraq's air defence capabilities.

The government plans to accelerate the deployment of modern radar systems, early warning equipment and air defence assets, while strengthening the use of existing systems to secure the country's airspace.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov