Iraq summons Saudi envoy for insulting Shia scholars

Iraq summoned Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Baghdad over his remarks

Iraq summoned Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Baghdad over his remarks against the participation of Iraqi popular forces in the fight against Takfiri terrorists and his disrespectful comments about the Shia Religious Authorities and Sheikh Nimr.

Thamer al-Sabhan, who is the first Saudi ambassador to Baghdad in years and had just submitted his credentials to Iraqi officials on January 14, in unconsidered comments on Saturday said Shia volunteer forces are not welcome in Iraq’s Sunni and Kurdish areas.

He also claimed that the presence of Shia forces in the fight against ISIS Takfiri terrorists has worsened sectarian tensions in Iraq.

Al-Sabhan in his comments also insulted the Shia Religious Authorities, saying “Anyone who listens toFriday prayer sermons delivered would recognize the danger of Shia knowledge.”

He also described prominent Shia cleric Sheikh NimrBaqir al-Nimr, who was executed by the Riyadh regime on baseless charges earlier this month, as “a terrorist.”