Iraq Forms Joint Security Committee to Block Cross-Border Threats

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi chaired an emergency meeting Saturday night on regional security developments. He ordered officials to form a joint security committee and establish deterrent mechanisms against cross-border violations originating in Iraq. The meeting reaffirmed that Iraqi territory may not be used as a launchpad or transit route for attacks on neighboring, friendly or allied states. Al-Zaidi instructed security agencies to enforce the law, strengthen stability and protect national sovereignty. Iraq's armed forces said they were ready to thwart attempts to target neighboring states across the region.