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Iraq Takes Steps to Pursue Those Who Assaulted Syrian Workers Amid Rising Sectarian Rhetoric
As security events in Syria escalate, particularly in the coastal region during the past week, sectarian rhetoric has noticeably increased in Iraq. This has led to a masked group belonging to a faction known as "Ya Ali Popular Formations" assaulting several Syrians residing in the country, prompting widespread controversy and leading the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a statement today, Wednesday, expressing its anger over these violations. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has also directed the formation of a specialized security team to pursue those involved in these illegal acts.
A video has circulated on social media showing Syrian workers being attacked by a masked group from the aforementioned faction.
The Iraqi government condemned these assaults, emphasizing the necessity of protecting all residents in Iraq. In an official statement, Sabah al-Nu'man, spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, noted that "some social media platforms circulated a video showing shameful acts of violence against several Syrian brothers working in Iraq." He immediately confirmed the Prime Minister's directive to form a specialized security team to pursue the perpetrators of these illegal acts, which do not reflect Iraqi values.
Al-Nu'man clarified that "Iraqi authorities will not tolerate the perpetrators of these disgraceful acts, which represent a blatant violation of humanitarian and moral values, in addition to violating Iraqi law." He assured that security forces would take all necessary measures to track down the offenders and ensure they are held accountable according to the law.
The statement also referenced the "fraternal relations between Iraq and Syria," affirming that "the rule of law will be fully applied to anyone proven to be involved in this incident, without any discrimination, to ensure the protection of community security and the dignity of all residents in the country."
Following about five days of sustained incitement, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing its deep discontent with the assaults on Syrians in Iraq, considering them a violation of human rights and international law.
In this context, the Syrian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its solidarity with its people and called on the Iraqi government to hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable and to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of Syrians residing in Iraq. It also emphasized the necessity of communication with the Iraqi side to work closely on addressing these violations and to implement swift and effective measures to prevent any future transgressions.
