INA - BAGHDAD
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed on Saturday that it is continuing to follow up on the results of the investigations with Kuwait regarding the shooting at the fishing boat and the death of the Iraqi fisherman.
“With reference to the shooting incident that targeted an Iraqi fishing boat on July 3, 2026, which resulted in the death of one Iraqi fisherman and the detention of others, and based on its responsibility to inform the public about the measures it has taken in this regard, MOFA clarifies that it has been following the details of the incident since the moment information about it was received,” said a statement issued by the Ministry, received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
The statement added, “MOFA has exerted intensive diplomatic efforts, in coordination with the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the State of Kuwait and the relevant Iraqi and Kuwaiti authorities, to address its repercussions.”
The Ministry stated that it "received on July 5, 2026, a cable from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the State of Kuwait containing preliminary information regarding the incident that occurred on July 3, 2026, based on information provided to the Embassy by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
“Upon receiving this information, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein directed the relevant departments within the Ministry and the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the State of Kuwait to follow up on the matter urgently, inform the competent Iraqi authorities, and work to clarify all its circumstances and communicate with the relevant Kuwaiti authorities,” noted the Ministry, adding, that "during his official visit to the State of Kuwait on July 8, 2026, the Foreign Minister raised the issue with the Kuwaiti leadership, including Deputy PM and Minister of Interior Fahd Al-Yousef, requesting to be briefed on the details of the incident," emphasizing "the Iraqi government's deep concern regarding this matter and its categorical rejection of the recurrence of such incidents that endanger the lives of citizens and harm the distinguished fraternal relations between the Republic of Iraq and the State of Kuwait, in addition to the painful humanitarian consequences they leave behind."
During the meeting, and in the presence of National Security Advisor Qasim al-Aboudi and Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani, the Kuwaiti side presented a video recording detailing the circumstances of the incident.
They explained that the incident “occurred at night and that the Kuwaiti forces did not intentionally cause the resulting casualties.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Fuad Hussein emphasized: “The seriousness of such incidents recurring in the future,” stressing “the importance of establishing clear mechanisms for coordination and communication between the relevant authorities in both countries to ensure they do not happen again."
The Foreign Minister requested that the Kuwaiti side “release the detained Iraqi fishermen and hand over the body of the deceased Iraqi fisherman.”
The Kuwaiti side responded immediately to this request, pledging to release the detainees and hand over the body to the relevant Iraqi authorities in Basra Governorate.
In light of this, the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Kuwait began issuing Iraqi documents for the fishermen and a death certificate for the deceased.
The Minister directed the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the State of Kuwait to continue following up on the results of the ongoing investigations and to coordinate with the Iraqi Naval Forces Command to obtain further information regarding the incident and its official position, “to ensure the completion of all relevant procedures."
MOFA affirmed that it "will continue to monitor the investigation results with the relevant Kuwaiti authorities and will take all necessary diplomatic and consular measures, in coordination with the relevant Iraqi authorities, to guarantee the rights of Iraqi citizens."
“It is essential for the relevant authorities in both brotherly countries to strengthen coordination and establish clear and practical mechanisms that ensure respect for the sovereignty of both countries, maintain the security and safety of navigation in Khor Abdullah, and prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future,” added the Ministry in the statement.
The Ministry further noted that "the responsibility for maintaining the security and safety of Iraqi territorial waters, ensuring the safety of individuals using them for fishing or navigation, and defining safe zones within them, falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant Iraqi authorities, primarily the Iraqi Naval Forces, in accordance with applicable laws and established mandates."
