Iraq orders heightened readiness after US-Saudi strikes
Iraq ordered its air defenses and intelligence activities strengthened Friday following US-Saudi strikes on pro-Iran militants accused of attacks in the region, CBS News reported.
Government spokesman Sabah al-Numan said Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi had issued “strict and immediate orders” to raise alertness and readiness to the maximum at all camps and bases, particularly those of the armed forces and the Hashed al-Shaabi.
Numan said rebuilding and modernizing Iraq’s air-defense capabilities was a “top priority,” including plans for modern radar, early-warning and air-defense systems.
Deadly US-Saudi strikes Wednesday hit bases belonging to the Hashed al-Shaabi, an Iraqi armed alliance that is integrated into the military but includes powerful pro-Iran groups.