Video of the Leader of Al-Nujaba Provokes Anger Among Iraqis.. "Challenged the State"

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After the Iraqi government confirmed that there would be no leniency with anyone who violates the flag or symbols of another state, and the authorities announced yesterday, Sunday, the arrest of those involved in stepping on the flag of the United States during Iraq's "Sovereignty Day" celebration following the withdrawal of all coalition forces from the country, a video was published by the account of the Al-Nujaba movement showing the leader of the movement, Akram al-Kaabi, walking on the American flag.

An account named Akram al-Kaabi on X, which usually broadcasts his news and statements, posted a video of him stepping on the American flag.

Many Iraqis considered this scene, which came just hours after the security forces moved and arrested those involved in the violations that occurred during "Sovereignty Day," to be a challenge to the state.

They also saw that the conflict now lies between the authority of the state and the unruliness of the factions.

While others called for the arrest of "Al-Kaabi" and an investigation into him, like others.

The spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah Al-Nauman, emphasized in a statement yesterday the need to hold accountable anyone proven to be involved in the violations recorded during "Sovereignty Day", and to take legal action against them, in accordance with Iraqi laws and diplomatic norms.

He also confirmed that the government's commitment to respecting the symbols of countries and accredited diplomatic missions in Iraq represents a legal and diplomatic obligation, warning that any violation or insult in this regard will be subject to legal accountability.

This came after images and videos circulated on social media over the past two days showing vehicles driving over a large American flag laid out on one of the streets during events that took place in Baghdad.

Several media outlets and foreign agencies also published images they claimed showed vehicles, including military vehicles, driving over the flags of the United States and Israel during ceremonies held last Thursday in the Iraqi capital, coinciding with the departure of the last soldiers of the international coalition.

It is worth mentioning that the Al-Nujaba Movement is among the 5 factions that have not yet responded to the Iraqi government's plan led by Ali Al-Zaydi to restrict weapons to the state. While 3 armed factions have responded to the government's plan and handed over their heavy weapons, namely "Saraya al-Salam" led by Muqtada al-Sadr, "Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq", and "Kata'ib Imam Ali" led by Shibl al-Zaydi, 5 other factions have refrained, which are "Al-Nujaba Movement, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Kata'ib Hezbollah Iraq, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, and Ahl al-Kahf."