At a Glance

• Iraqi authorities arrested several individuals for desecrating the U.S. flag in Baghdad.
• The Iraqi government stated that respecting the symbols of friendly nations is a binding legal obligation.
• Anyone involved in the incident will face legal measures under Iraqi laws.

Iraqi authorities have arrested several individuals following the desecration of the U.S. flag during a "Sovereignty Day" parade in Baghdad, acting on direct orders from the Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief to enforce legal accountability and uphold diplomatic norms.

---

Key Statements and Focus Area

• Sabah al-Numan, Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, stated and announced that, “Following the orders of Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, the relevant authorities have arrested those involved in the desecration of the U.S. flag in Baghdad, which occurred during one of the parades held as part of the “Sovereignty Day” events.” 
• The spokesperson stressed that for the government, “respecting the symbols of friendly nations” is a legal obligation subject to strict accountability. 

---

Spokesperson Sabah al-Numan stated on Sunday that anyone found to have been involved in this act "will be held accountable and subject to legal measures in accordance with Iraqi laws and diplomatic norms." 

The spokesperson emphasized that the government considers respecting the symbols and accredited diplomatic missions of friendly nations in Iraq a binding legal and diplomatic obligation. 

Consequently, any violations or offenses committed against these entities will be subject to strict legal accountability.

Prime Minister and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Ali Faleh al-Zaidi ordered the immediate formation of an investigative committee earlier today to probe the incident.

Condemning the act, al-Zaidi highlighted that all citizens must respect diplomatic norms and directed authorities to take swift legal action against those responsible. 

He further mandated that the panel expedite the inquiry and submit its definitive findings "as soon as possible."

FYI

Iraq declared a four-day national holiday from September 30 to October 3, known as "Sovereignty Days," to celebrate the conclusion of the U.S.-led Coalition's military mission. Large security forces and vehicle parades took place across Baghdad and Najaf to mark the official transition of national security control.

During one of the official parades, individuals desecrated the United States flag, prompting an immediate response from the federal government. 

The celebrations coincided with the September 30, deadline, which saw the final departure of international personnel and equipment under the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS framework.

 The conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve ends more than a decade of Coalition operations, shifting the relationship to bilateral agreements for training and intelligence support.

Following the exit of Coalition troops, al-Zaidi stated that all weapons must now be subject to legitimate state authority. 

While some political figures argue this milestone removes the justification for independent militias, several armed groups have rejected immediate disarmament deadlines, leading the government to pursue a phased weapons-handover process extending into 2027.