Iraq denies presence of Houthi bases on its territory

The Iraqi government on Wednesday denied that the Houthis had any bases in Iraq.

“There are no known Houthi bases in Iraq, and there is no need for government action or a decision on something that does not exist,” government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

He said some people continued to promote claims circulating on social media, adding that the presence of armed groups from other countries in Iraq violates the country’s constitutional principles.

“Iraq will not be used to launch attacks on neighbouring countries or host armed groups involved in conflicts,” he said.

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Al-Aboudi also said Iraq is closely coordinating with Turkey to resolve the issue of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and remove its members from Iraq. 

He added that Iraq is also working with Iran through a joint higher committee to address the presence of Iranian Kurdish armed groups in Iraqi territory, particularly in the Kurdistan Region.

He stressed that Iraq would not allow armed groups affiliated with other countries to operate on its territory or use it to threaten neighbouring states.

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