Official policy announcements from the Iraqi government

Muqtada al-Sadr Urges Iraqi Forces to Avoid Syrian Conflict, Emphasizes National Sovereignty and Punishment for Interference

Dec 5, 2024, 04:36 PM

Muqtada al-Sadr, a prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric, has reiterated his opposition to any Iraqi intervention in the ongoing conflict in Syria. He expressed hope that the 'defiant free Syrian people' could avoid the impacts of terrorism and extremism, while warning against schemes by the United States, Israel, and Britain. Al-Sadr urged the Iraqi government to prevent any Iraqi forces or militias from engaging in the Syrian conflict, emphasizing that it is up to the Syrian people to determine their own fate. He stated that any armed groups attempting to cross into Syria should be 'punished and prevented' by the Iraqi authorities. Al-Sadr's stance reflects his nationalist views and consistent criticism of Iranian influence in Iraq, particularly regarding Iranian-linked proxy forces aiding the Assad regime in Syria.