Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau summoned Iraqi Ambassador Nizar Khirullah on April 9 to express the United States government's strong condemnation of recent terrorist attacks by Iran-aligned militia groups launched from Iraqi territory against U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities, including an April 8 ambush of U.S. diplomats in Baghdad.
The meeting highlights rising concerns over the safety of U.S. citizens and interests in Iraq following a series of attacks that have targeted not only Americans but also Iraq's neighbors, institutions, and civilians. The frequency and severity of these incidents underscore tensions between the two countries regarding security responsibilities.
According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, "Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau today summoned Iraqi Ambassador Nizar Khirullah to express the U.S. government’s strong condemnation of the egregious terrorist attacks by Iran-aligned militia groups launched from Iraqi territory against U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities, including the April 8 ambush of U.S. diplomats in Baghdad." Pigott said these attacks follow hundreds in recent weeks targeting various American interests as well as those within Iraq and its Kurdistan Region.
While acknowledging efforts by Iraqi Security Forces to respond to these incidents, Landau emphasized what he described as a failure by the Iraqi government to prevent such actions while some elements associated with it continue to provide political, financial, and operational support for militias. He said this situation adversely affects the relationship between Washington and Baghdad.
Landau stressed that "the United States will not tolerate attacks on U.S. interests" and expects immediate action from Iraq's government to dismantle Iran-aligned militia groups operating within its borders.
