PM Masrour Barzani and Federal Intelligence Chief Discuss Strengthening Iraq's Stability

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomed Hamid Al-Shatri, the Head of the Federal National Intelligence Agency, on Sunday to discuss recent developments in Iraq’s security situation. 

Their conversation focused on the latest developments in Iraq’s public safety and security, particularly in the aftermath of the defeat of ISIS. The discussion also centered on the need to enhance collaboration between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government to ensure the long-term stability and security of Iraq.

Prime Minister Barzani stressed the importance of strengthening the coordination between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government. He emphasized that both parties must work in unison to protect Iraq’s security and safeguard the region from any potential threats posed by extremist factions such as ISIS. This collaboration is crucial not only for maintaining internal peace but also for the broader goal of stabilizing Iraq as a whole.

The Kurdistan Region Security Council had previously announced significant progress in its efforts against ISIS, particularly following the elimination of high-ranking figures within the terrorist organization. On Friday, the Security Council confirmed the death of Abdullah Makki Muslih, a notorious ISIS leader who had been active in both Iraq and Syria. His death, following years of intelligence work and collaboration between Kurdistan Region security forces and federal security forces, marks a significant blow to ISIS’s remnants in the region.

This cooperation between Kurdish and Iraqi federal forces was also highlighted in a recent post by U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised the successful operation. In a statement on Friday, Trump commended the relentless efforts of the U.S. military alongside Kurdish and Iraqi forces, declaring that the fugitive ISIS leader had been "hunted down" and eliminated in a joint operation with both the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi Government.

Despite these successes, the Kurdistan Region’s role in these operations was notably absent in a recent federal government statement. In his recent statement over this significant security operation, the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani didn’t mention the pivotal role of the Kurdistan Region’s security forces.  

The Kurdistan Region Security Council expressed concerns over the lack of acknowledgment for its vital contribution to these counterterrorism efforts. The Council argued that such oversight could hinder future cooperation and called for more recognition of the collaborative security efforts that have kept the region safe from terrorist threats.

Barzani’s meeting with Al-Shatri reflects a shared commitment to intensify coordination between all levels of government to combat terrorism and ensure the continued peace and stability of Iraq. The success of such collaborations will be pivotal in overcoming the remnants of ISIS and other extremist groups, securing Iraq’s future as a unified and stable nation.

As both governments continue their work on the ground, the future of Iraq’s security lies in the strengthened partnerships between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government, alongside international allies. Together, they must remain vigilant in their pursuit of peace, security, and the protection of all citizens from the scourge of terrorism.