Barran Press
On December 24, 2024, an Iraqi Foreign Ministry official disclosed that the country has recently received what he described as "positions" from the United States urging it to halt Houthi activities classified as terrorism within its borders.
In a statement reported by Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed, the official noted that the request specifically targets the Houthi office operating in Baghdad. He emphasized that the Iraqi government takes such matters seriously to protect its citizens from the repercussions of regional conflicts.
For several years, the Houthi group has maintained an office in the upscale Jadriya neighborhood of Baghdad, which is referred to as its "supreme representation." This office is managed by Abu Idris Al-Sharafi and other Houthi leaders residing in Iraq, including Abu Ali Al-Azi and Muhammad Abdul Azim Al-Houthi.
The Iraqi official mentioned that "Washington has advised the Iraqi government that the continued presence of the Houthi group engaging in non-civilian activities within Iraq could expose the country to the spillover of regional issues."
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's government is reportedly addressing these concerns to safeguard the Iraqi populace from the instability affecting neighboring countries.
However, the official also noted, "While activities related to the Houthis may be curtailed, much of it is media-related, and there is an American exaggeration regarding the extent of their presence or activities."
In August, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported the death of a Houthi member in a recent U.S. airstrike on Jurf Al-Sakhar, south of Baghdad, which targeted facilities linked to Iraqi Hezbollah, including a building used for drone development and manufacturing.
Over the past few months, Houthi leaders have made several visits to political officials and armed faction leaders in Baghdad and other provinces, with reports indicating the opening of an official office in Jadriya, where pro-Iran armed groups are based.
While the Iraqi government recognizes Yemen's internationally acknowledged legitimate government, it does not regard the Houthi group as a representative of Yemen. Nonetheless, the Houthis opened an office in Iraq, managed by Abu Idris Al-Sharafi, which connects with political forces and armed factions close to Iran, without any official meetings with Iraqi government entities.