British ambassador in Baghdad Stephen Hitchen says 'faced threats from militias'

The British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hitchen has revealed that he has been subjected to threats, attributing them to certain militias that "do not like us." Speaking on a Kurdish television program, Hitchen discussed the challenges facing British nationals in Iraq, highlighting the security risks in the country.

During his appearance on "Beeston Talk," a program broadcast by Kurdistan-based Rudaw TV, Hitchen said that while the UK is keen to support Iraq, it is ultimately the responsibility of the Iraqi state to resolve its issues. 

Hitchen did not specify the nature of the threats or identify the groups involved but is likely referring to Iran-backed anti-Western militias in the country, many of whom are linked to the government. Hitchen expressed concerns about the security situation in Iraq, indicating that he would not recommend his relatives visit the country at this time. Despite these concerns, he remained hopeful for a future where tourism in Iraq could thrive once again.

Hitchen assumed his post in June 2023. The ambassador’s comments mark the first time such threats have been publicly acknowledged, with no prior reports from either Iraqi government officials or non-governmental sources.

In response to Hitchen's remarks, an Iraqi security official told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the government had not received any formal notification from the British embassy regarding these threats.

The official emphasized that diplomatic missions in Iraq are provided with full protection, asserting that the security situation remains stable.

These developments come amid heightened tensions between armed factions and U.S. forces in Iraq on the back of Israel-Iran tensions with Iraqi security forces implementing precautionary measures to prevent potential attacks on facilities hosting international coalition troops in the western and northern regions of the country.

This is a translated version of an article in our sister publication Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, reporting by Baghdad based Safaa Al Kubaisi.