The Iraqi Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, confirmed on Thursday that the security forces can ensure security and confront any challenge.

Al-Shammari’s statement took place during his meeting with the representative of the UN secretary-general, Volker Peretz, where they discussed the role of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and cooperation between the two sides, according to a statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

The Iraqi Interior Minister made it clear that the security forces are always evolving and that the Ministry of Interior is making every effort to serve the people to the best of its ability.

The Iraqi official also demonstrated how well border controls, the fight against drugs and crime, and human rights are being upheld.

Al-Shammari’s remarks follow condemnation expressed by the Iraqi government of the strikes carried out by US forces against sites belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Jurf Al-Nasr in Babylon governorate.

The spokesperson of the Iraqi government, Basem Al-Awadi, mentioned in a statement on Wednesday that the Iraqi government considers the recent escalation a dangerous step involving an unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

“We strongly condemn the attack that targeted the Jurf Al-Nasr area, which took place without the knowledge of the Iraqi government,” Al-Awadi explained.

At least five people were killed in the early hours of Wednesday after PMF sites southwest of Baghdad were targeted by air strikes carried out by US forces.

US Central Command forces carried out separate and precise strikes on two facilities in Iraq, according to a statement released by the US Army.