Iraq Security Chief in Erbil for Talks on Border Pact and Drone Attacks

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim Aboudi arrived in Erbil on Saturday at the head of a high-level security delegation for talks with senior Kurdistan Region officials on border security, recent attacks and the implementation of a security agreement involving Baghdad, Erbil and Tehran.

The visit, directed by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi, marks Aboudi's first trip to Erbil since taking office as national security advisor, according to a statement from his office.

Kurdistan24 correspondent Hoshmand Sadiq reported that the delegation was received at Erbil International Airport by Kurdistan Region Interior Minister Reber Ahmed.

Talks With Kurdistan Leadership

Aboudi is scheduled to meet first with President Masoud Barzani, followed by discussions with other senior Kurdistan Region officials.

A key meeting is scheduled at the Ministry of Interior at 12:30 p.m., where officials are expected to focus on the implementation of the tripartite security agreement between Erbil, Baghdad and Tehran.

Among the principal issues will be the status of headquarters belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups located along the Kurdistan Region-Iran border and plans for deploying border guards in those areas.

The issue is particularly sensitive because the agreement seeks to prevent the Kurdistan Region from being used as a launching point for attacks against neighboring countries while also addressing concerns over threats directed toward the Region.

Kurdistan Region officials have repeatedly maintained that Erbil does not want its territory used to threaten neighboring states, while insisting that the same principle must apply in reverse.

Border Security and Unresolved Commitments

The discussions are expected to examine the extent to which the provisions of the tripartite agreement have been implemented.

According to the supplied information, Kurdistan Region authorities have fulfilled their obligations under the agreement, while other parties have not fully implemented all of their commitments.

The deployment of border guards is therefore expected to be a central issue in the discussions, alongside arrangements concerning the evacuation or relocation of opposition-group headquarters near the Iranian frontier.

The talks could also provide an opportunity for Baghdad and Erbil to address wider questions concerning coordination between federal and regional security institutions.

Recent Drone Attacks Under Investigation

The meeting comes only hours after three drones targeted Erbil in a nighttime attack.

The Kurdistan Region's Counter-Terrorism Directorate said the drones were intercepted in Erbil's airspace early Saturday, with no casualties reported.

Iraqi officials have said the source of the drones remains unknown and that an investigation is underway.

The latest incident is expected to feature prominently in Aboudi's discussions in Erbil, particularly as officials consider measures to prevent future attacks and improve coordination between federal and regional security agencies.

The broader security environment surrounding the Kurdistan Region has become increasingly sensitive in recent months amid regional tensions and repeated drone and missile threats.

Protecting Energy Infrastructure

Another issue on the agenda is the protection of the Kurdistan Region's energy infrastructure.

Officials are expected to discuss the installation of defense systems capable of protecting oil and gas facilities from drones and other aerial threats.

The issue has gained greater importance following repeated attacks targeting energy-related sites, which have disrupted production and raised concerns among international operators.

Kurdistan Region Interior Minister Reber Ahmed has previously called for greater coordination with Baghdad over the acquisition and deployment of air-defense and anti-drone systems.

First Erbil Visit Since Taking Office

Aboudi's visit comes as Baghdad and Erbil seek to strengthen security coordination while managing tensions along Iraq's borders.

For the Kurdistan Region, the immediate priorities include protecting its territory and energy infrastructure, implementing border arrangements and ensuring that security agreements do not create new threats for its population.

For Baghdad, the talks offer an opportunity to reinforce federal-regional security coordination and address concerns raised by neighboring Iran.

The outcome of Aboudi's meetings with President Masoud Barzani and other Kurdistan Region officials is expected to provide a clearer indication of how the parties intend to implement the tripartite agreement and respond to the recent escalation in drone attacks.