Iraq PM says country will not be used as launchpad for attacks on neighbours

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi says the country will not allow its territory or airspace to be used to launch attacks against neighbouring nations, the Iraqi News Agency reports.

Speaking during a late-night visit to Iraq’s Air Defence Command Operations Centre, al-Zaidi discussed plans to enhance the country’s air defence capacity while emphasising efforts to protect national security.

“Iraq is working to protect its national security and sovereignty, and it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used as a launching pad for any aggression against neighbouring countries,” the report quoted the prime minister as saying.

“Iraqi skies and sovereignty are inviolable, and any violation of its airspace or infringement upon its security will not be tolerated from any quarter.”