Iraq Accuses Briton of Sabotage against Agricultural Crops

Strategic Insights -

Iraq has accused a British national working with the U.N. Office of Project Services (UNOPS) in northern Iraq of carrying out sabotage acts against the country's agricultural crops. According to an unnamed Iraqi Agriculture Ministry source, the Briton, Reed Verbatim, allegedly planted boxes filled with breeding eggs of locusts in an area in northern Iraq in April. The Iraqi source claims that residents later uncovered the boxes, containing locust eggs, in the area near Khamaqeen, 180 kilometers northeast of Baghdad. The U.N. office in Baghdad has refused to comment on the Iraqi accusation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iraq has accused a British national, Reed Verbatim, of carrying out sabotage acts against the country's agricultural crops.
  • The Briton allegedly worked with the U.N. Office of Project Services (UNOPS) in northern Iraq, which was entrusted with removing landmines in the region.
  • The alleged sabotage involved planting boxes filled with breeding eggs of locusts in an area in northern Iraq, resulting in potential damage to agricultural crops.
  • Residents in the area later uncovered the boxes, containing locust eggs, in April.
  • The Iraqi source claims that Reed Verbatim, the Briton involved, was a leading official at the UNOPS at the time of the alleged incident.
  • Baghdad has repeatedly accused U.S. and British nationals working in northern Iraq of spying on the country, especially those affiliated with non-governmental organizations.
  • Iraq has asked the U.N. to replace U.S. and British nationals working with U.N. agencies in central and southern Iraq with personnel of other nationalities earlier this year.

Statistics:

  • The area where the alleged sabotage occurred is 180 kilometers northeast of Baghdad.
  • The British national, Reed Verbatim, allegedly planted the boxes containing locust eggs in April.
  • The residents in the area uncovered the boxes, containing locust eggs, in the same April.

Sources:

  • Iraqi News Agency
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)