Iraqi Militias Attack Israel, UK Protest, U.S. Coalition in Iraq

IRAQ

THE EARLY PHOENIX

Realtime Reporting

August 19, 2024

Iraqi Islamic Resistance Targets Israeli Military Site in Golan Heights

The Iraqi Islamic Resistance targeted an Israeli military site in the occupied Golan Heights last week using drones. This attack was part of their ongoing operations against occupation forces and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in response to the atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinian civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. The group confirmed that their operations would continue with increasing intensity, aiming to strike enemy strongholds persistently.

Iraq Summons UK Envoy Over Ambassador’s Controversial Statements

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry summoned the UK’s chargé d’affaires, Ruth Coverdale, to deliver a protest note regarding recent statements. The UK ambassador to Baghdad, Steven Hitchen, currently out of the country, made remarks deemed inappropriate. The ministry considered the ambassador’s comments as interference in Iraq’s internal security and political affairs. These statements were seen as portraying a negative image of Iraq’s government and its components. Iraq views the ambassador’s remarks as a breach of diplomatic duties and expressed strong disapproval.

Ain al-Asad Attack Freezes U.S.-Iraq Talks on Coalition Mission

Iraq has suspended discussions with the United States on ending the international coalition’s presence following the recent rocket attack on Ain al-Asad base. The August 5 attack, claimed by a new group called “Al-Tha’iroon,” injured several U.S. soldiers. Iraqi authorities arrested five individuals linked to the attack but provided no further details. The Iraqi government had been nearing a final decision on the coalition’s withdrawal, but the recent security developments delayed the announcement of a timeline.

Lebanon Refuses to Pay Iraq $2 Billion Debt for Fuel Deal

High-level Lebanese sources revealed that Lebanon has refused to pay Iraq $2 billion owed from a fuel oil agreement. The deal, signed in July 2021, provided Lebanon with one million tons of fuel to ease its electricity crisis. Lebanon’s Central Bank declined to open a new $700 million credit line to Iraq without guarantees of repayment, leading Baghdad to reject renewing the agreement. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati sought to persuade Iraq to forgive the debt during his visit to Baghdad, but the effort was unsuccessful.

Baghdad Adopts Profit-Sharing Model to Boost Oil and Gas Investment

Iraq has implemented a major change in its hydrocarbon sector by adopting profit-sharing contracts to attract foreign investment. Baghdad signed development contracts for 13 exploration blocks and oil fields, moving from technical service contracts. This shift, aimed at increasing revenue sharing with international companies, addresses concerns from major oil firms about profitability. The new agreements, which attracted significant interest from Chinese companies, could boost Iraq’s oil production by 750,000 barrels daily. Additionally, the agreements are expected to enhance natural gas output to meet the country’s energy needs.

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Iraq Boosts Oil Production, Adopts Profit-Sharing, Faces Export Losses