Iran Raps US Airstrikes on Iraq as Act of Terrorism


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi vehemently condemned the US’ airstrikes on the positions of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in Iraq as a blatant act of terrorism.

In a statement on Monday, Mousavi condemned the American military strike on the Iraqi soil and against the PMU (aka Hashd al-Shaabi) positions as a brazen example of terrorism.

Mousavi also called on the US to respect Iraq’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to stop interfering in the internal affairs of the Arab country.

Slamming Washington’s false claims about fighting against terrorism, the Iranian spokesperson said, “The attacks once again proved the US’ false claim about fighting the Daesh (ISIS) Takfiri group, since the United States has struck the positions of the forces who have dealt heavy blows to the Daesh terrorists over the past years.”

“The US has demonstrated its decisive support for terrorism and disregard for the independence and sovereignty of nations by launching these attacks, and it must accept the responsibility for the consequences of such illegal measures,” the Iranian diplomat underlined.

The presence of foreign forces in the region creates insecurity, convulsion, and crisis, the Iranian spokesperson said, adding, “The US must end its occupier-style presence (in the region).”

He also reaffirmed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Iraq, and expressed sympathy with the families of those martyred and wounded in the US attacks.

On Sunday, US forces conducted drone strikes on a number of Kata'ib Hezbollah bases in Iraq's western Anbar province, killing at least 25 individuals and leaving another 51 injured, according to the PMU.

Following the strikes, the Pentagon issued a statement saying that it had targeted three locations of the Iraqi fighters in Iraq and two in Syria in response to alleged attacks targeting American forces.