Iraqi National Security Adviser Arrives in Sulaymaniyah for Talks on Iran Border Security and Kurdish Opposition Groups
Peregraf — Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji arrived in Sulaymaniyah on Thursday leading a high-level security delegation for discussions expected to focus on Iraq’s security agreement with Iran, border security measures, and the presence of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in the Kurdistan Region.
According to informed sources, the visit is part of ongoing efforts by Baghdad to address security concerns raised by Tehran regarding Iranian Kurdish opposition organizations operating from areas near the Iraqi-Iranian border.
The discussions are also expected to address implementation of the security agreement signed between Iraq and Iran, which commits Baghdad to strengthening border security and preventing Iraqi territory from being used for activities that threaten neighboring countries.
The visit comes amid continuing regional tensions and months after a wave of drone and missile attacks targeted the Kurdistan Region during and after the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran earlier this year.
Follow-Up to Baghdad Talks
Al-Araji’s visit follows a meeting in Baghdad on May 24 with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, during which the two sides discussed the continuing drone attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region despite the ceasefire that ended hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran on April 8.
Following that meeting, al-Araji announced that a joint security delegation from Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government would visit Iran to discuss security concerns and strengthen coordination.
“We discussed the attacks on the Kurdistan Region, and a joint security delegation from Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region will soon visit Iran,” al-Araji said at the time.
Barzani said discussions with Iraqi authorities were continuing to address security threats facing both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
“We have held discussions, and his Excellency has always been supportive so that we can, God willing, eliminate the threats facing the Kurdistan Region and the entirety of Iraq,” Barzani said.
Continued Attacks Despite Ceasefire
The security discussions come against the backdrop of repeated attacks targeting Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in the Kurdistan Region.
On May 24, the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) reported that four explosive-laden drones targeted its Peshmerga positions near Darashakran in Erbil province. The group accused Iran of carrying out the attack, though no casualties were reported.
According to figures released by the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Kurdistan Region recorded 809 drone and missile attacks between February 28 and April 20 during the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
KRG officials said the attacks resulted in 20 deaths and 123 injuries and targeted civilian areas, energy infrastructure, Peshmerga forces, security personnel, and bases linked to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups.
Iranian Kurdish Opposition Groups
Iran has long accused Iranian Kurdish opposition parties based in the Kurdistan Region of carrying out activities that threaten its national security.
The groups, which include several armed and political organizations operating from camps in northern Iraq, have repeatedly denied the allegations.
The issue has remained a key point of tension between Baghdad, Erbil, and Tehran in recent years and was one of the main drivers behind the Iraq-Iran security agreement aimed at reducing cross-border tensions.
Al-Araji’s visit to Sulaymaniyah is expected to include meetings with Kurdish officials and security authorities as Baghdad seeks to coordinate positions with the Kurdistan Regional Government on border security and regional stability.