Bahrain has summoned an Iraqi envoy over a series of drone attacks targeting the kingdom and other states in the region. These attacks persist despite a recent US-Iran ceasefire.
The diplomatic summons on Monday followed similar action by Saudi Arabia the previous day, highlighting a growing regional concern over the activities of pro-Iranian groups based in Iraq. This situation further complicates Baghdad’s ongoing efforts to rebuild ties with its Arab neighbours.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation of the “continued malicious drone attacks” launched from Iraq towards Bahrain and several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as reported by the state news agency BNA.
During the meeting with Iraqi charge d’affaires, Ahmed Ismail al-Karawi, Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, director general of bilateral relations, delivered an official protest note. The diplomatic message urged Baghdad to address “these threats and attacks urgently and responsibly.”
Iraq: A Launchpad for Regional Tensions
During the broader United States-Israel conflict with Iran, Iraq has become a significant staging ground for a secondary conflict. Drones and missiles are being launched by Iran-aligned armed groups, repeatedly targeting Gulf states and Jordan.
US interests within Iraq have also been targeted, particularly the embassy in Baghdad.
Last month, a joint statement from several Gulf countries and Jordan demanded that Baghdad act immediately to halt attacks originating from its territory by Iran-aligned groups. The statement was signed by Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Baghdad has categorically rejected the use of its territory to target Gulf states or Jordan, asserting that it is taking necessary measures “in accordance with the constitution and the law.”
Impact on Iraq’s Regional Ties
These attacks are severely testing Iraq’s painstakingly rebuilt ties with its Arab neighbours. In response, Baghdad issued a statement offering its “full readiness” to receive any information or evidence regarding the attacks, pledging to address them “responsibly and swiftly.”
Previously, Iran-aligned groups in Iraq had announced their commitment to a two-week Iran-US ceasefire, which began on Wednesday, stating they would suspend their actions towards the Gulf countries. However, just hours after the ceasefire was announced, several Gulf nations reported new missile and drone attacks on their territories.
#Bahrain #Iraq #GulfSecurity #DroneAttacks #RegionalTensions #MiddleEast #Diplomacy #IranAlignedGroups #CeasefireViolations #InternationalRelations
Leave a Reply