Statement

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry is closely following the kidnapping of a citizen from Al Basra province, in Al Bayadiyah village in the city of Homs on August 24, 2024. In this context, our Embassy in Damascus, through the Chargé d’Affaires is conducting intensive contacts with the highest security authorities in the Syrian Arab Republic, to ensure his release as soon as possible.

The Ministry affirms that the competent Syrian authorities have arrested a number of people for their involvement in the kidnapping, and the security authorities are continuing their tireless efforts to get access to the Iraqi kidnapped citizen and ensure his safety.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry expresses its appreciation for the continued cooperation of the Syrian authorities, and stress its commitment to follow up on this case until the Iraqi citizen is released and returned to his homeland safely. The Ministry also stresses the importance of Iraqi residents and visitors communicating with the Iraqi Embassy in Damascus, and not going to unsafe places in Syrian areas, for their own safety.

Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Iraq

September 8, 2024