In response to the recent attack on the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad, the United States has expressed strong condemnation over the violence and criticized Iraq’s security forces for failing to prevent protesters from breaching the diplomatic post.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly as a fundamental pillar of democracy. However, he labeled the incident as an unlawful act of violence, referring to the protesters’ storming and damaging of the Swedish Embassy compound.
“It is unacceptable that Iraqi Security Forces did not take necessary measures to prevent the protesters from breaching the Swedish Embassy compound for a second time and causing damage,” stated Miller.
The reason behind the attack on the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad was a planned Koran burning event in Stockholm, which triggered outrage and prompted hundreds of protesters to take to the streets, ultimately leading to the destructive act in the Iraqi capital.
In response to the situation, Iraq decided to expel the Swedish ambassador as a protest measure against the planned Koran burning in Stockholm. U.S. officials have been in communication with their Swedish counterparts, offering support during this tense situation.
Moreover, the United States has called on the Iraqi government to fulfill its international obligations to safeguard all diplomatic missions within its territory. Miller stressed that foreign missions should never be subjected to violence or targeted attacks.
As the situation continues to unfold, the global community is closely monitoring developments and hoping for a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions between Sweden and Iraq.