Iraq investigates “attack on the American flag” on “Sovereignty Day”

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On Sunday, the Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, ordered the formation of an investigative committee to find out the circumstances of what he described as “transgression” against the United States flag, during one of the parades that accompanied the “Sovereignty Day” activities.

According to a statement by the spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah Al-Numan, Al-Zaidi condemned the incident, stressing the need to adhere to diplomatic laws and customs. He also directed that legal measures be taken against the transgressors, and that the investigation be completed and its results be presented “as soon as possible.”

The government move came after circulating pictures and clips showed vehicles passing over a large American flag spread out on a street during events in Baghdad. Media outlets also published photos from Agence France-Presse that they said showed vehicles, including military vehicles, driving above the flags of the United States and Israel during a ceremony held last Thursday.

The scenes sparked criticism from Republican US House of Representatives member Joe Wilson, who posted pictures of the incident on the “X” platform and accused members of the Popular Mobilization Forces of insulting the American flag, before directly criticizing the Iraqi government regarding its relationship with Iran.

The Iraqi statement did not specify the party or persons responsible for the incident, merely indicating that it occurred during “one of the parades,” while the investigation committee is expected to determine its circumstances and those responsible for it.

The incident comes after Iraqi celebrations at the end of the international coalition’s mission to fight ISIS in the country. Al-Zaidi had announced that October 1 represents the beginning of a new phase for Iraq, stressing that the state will assume responsibility for protecting sovereignty and that security and military decisions will be within its official institutions.

This was preceded by a government directive issued on September 23 to ministries, governorates, and entities not affiliated with a ministry to organize official and popular events on the occasion of “Iraqi Sovereignty Day,” which included vigils in government institutions, remembering the victims, and holding local activities related to the occasion.

The opening of the investigation and the Prime Minister's condemnation of the incident indicate Baghdad's attempt to separate the celebration of the end of the coalition mission from any behavior that affects American symbols, at a time when the government confirms its orientation towards international relations based on common interests and mutual respect.