Iraq’s National Security Adviser Confirms Arrival of U.S. Reconnaissance Team in Najaf
Addressing reports suggesting an attempted rescue operation for a kidnapped individual, al-Araji dismissed them as baseless and lacking credibility.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraq’s National Security Adviser, Qasim al-Araji, reaffirmed on Friday the arrival of a U.S. reconnaissance team at Najaf International Airport, dismissing speculations surrounding the visit.
In an official statement, al-Araji reiterated that the reconnaissance team had arrived in Najaf ahead of a planned visit by an American delegation, which is set to meet with local government officials.
He clarified that the aircraft’s landing was coordinated with Iraq’s Joint Operations Command, emphasizing that such movements are routine for officials and diplomatic missions as part of standard logistical and security protocols.
Dismissal of Kidnapping Speculations
Addressing reports suggesting an attempted rescue operation for a kidnapped individual, al-Araji dismissed them as baseless and lacking credibility.
He stated: "If an actual rescue operation had taken place, authorities would have either arrested the perpetrators and freed the hostage or waited for the plane to take off and then taken control of it to secure the individual."
He further reaffirmed Iraq’s position on U.S. operations, underscoring that all procedures were conducted in accordance with official agreements and that any alternative claims were unsubstantiated narratives.
