BAGHDAD — The 26 members of a kidnapped hunting party that included numerous members of the Qatari royal family and two Saudi nationals have been released after being held for 16 months in Iraq, but questions remain about how that release was negotiated.

While the details of the deal haven't been revealed, the entire case raises serious concern among Iraqis that their government might be losing more control over its territory, as it appears regional deals are being concluded involving Iraqi territory under the auspices of other countries, without the government’s full supervision.

However, Interior Ministry spokesman Wahab al-Tai told Al-Monitor that Iraq was "the only and exclusive authority handling this case with Qatar." Regarding the government’s role in this operation, Tai said that “the idea of a political deal in this case is not true at all."

"This was a blackmail plot by organized crime gangs seeking to obtain money. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $700 million, but the official security services under the guidance of the government thwarted the attempt,” he said.