US urges Iraq to 'pursue' those behind attacks on US forces

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani on Tuesday to "pursue" those behind recent attacks against the US and coalition personnel in Iraq.

"The Secretary urged the Prime Minister to pursue those behind the attacks and fulfill Iraq’s commitment to maintain the security at" US and. coalition bases," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a readout of a telephone call.

Blinken also welcomed Iraq’s condemnation of recent attacks and threats to US and coalition personnel in Iraq, according to the statement.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict was also discussed, as the two are "committed to work together to ensure regional stability," said Miller.

Blinken and al-Sudani also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as the secretary "conveyed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for Iraq’s efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza," said the statement.

"Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Sudani renewed their commitment to continue strengthening the U.S.-Iraq 360-degree partnership and reaffirmed the principles in the bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement," it added.

The call came amid a series of rocket and drone attacks in the last week, against military bases housing US personnel in Iraq and Syria.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday that Iran is "actively facilitating" the recent attacks, and he blamed Iranian-backed proxy groups.

"We know Iran’s goal is to maintain some level of deniability here, but we’re not going to allow them to do that," said Kirby.