The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, conducts a night visit to the Air Defense Command Operations Center •••••••••• The Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, late Wednesday night into Thursday, made a visit to the operations center of the Air Defense Command, to see on the ground the reality of the air defense system, its preparations, and its tasks in protecting the skies of Iraq. The visit of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to the headquarters of the Air Defense Command came in light of the preparations for the next stage, and the follow-up of readiness in the operational sectors, within the process of implementing the Iraqi-American agreement to end the mission of the international coalition forces and complete the complete withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, which confirms the importance of strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces and air defense systems, to fully assume responsibility for protecting the airspace and national sovereignty. His Excellency listened to a detailed briefing presented by the Air Defense Commander, which addressed the reality of the system, the operational sectors, and the strategy for developing the capabilities of our specialized units within the framework of the air defense capacity building plan for the years 2026-2031, which aims to build an integrated air defense system, through developing radar detection and monitoring capabilities, weapons systems, and command and control. During his meeting with the Air Defense Commander and officers, in the presence of Messrs. Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence, the Prime Minister stressed that air defense represents the shield of Iraq’s skies and the first line of defense for its sovereignty, stressing that building capable armed forces represents an essential pillar in consolidating Iraq’s sovereignty and enhancing its ability to make its political and military decisions independently. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces directed to meet all requirements and needs for air defense, raise its combat and technological levels, and provide what is necessary to build an advanced system capable of protecting the Iraqi airspace, stressing that Iraq’s skies and sovereignty represent a symbol that will not be allowed to penetrate its airspace or compromise its security by any party. His Excellency stressed that Iraq, while working to protect national security and sovereignty, will not allow its lands or airspace to be a launching pad for any aggression against neighboring countries, stressing that Iraq’s role enhances the security and stability of the region, and that its armed forces are a bulwark for protecting Iraq, its sovereignty, and its national decision. ••••• Media Office of the Prime Minister 13-August- 2026