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Iraqi Cleric Urges Government and Militias to Refrain from Syrian Conflict

Dec 5, 2024, 05:07 PM

Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has issued a strong call for non-interference in the Syrian conflict, urging both the Iraqi government, including the Iraqi army, and militia groups to refrain from engaging in the ongoing conflict. Al-Sadr emphasized the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty and warned against falling for schemes by the US, Israel, and Britain. His statement comes in response to a call from a Syrian rebel leader for Iraq to distance itself from the Syrian war. Al-Sadr, known for his Iraqi nationalist stance, has consistently criticized Iran's influence in Iraq and seeks to prevent Iraqi forces from aiding the Assad regime. He insists that any armed group from Iraq crossing into Syria must be “punished and prevented” by the Iraqi government.