The Iraqi government has strongly condemned US strikes on sites used by Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, claiming they violated their sovereignty. The United States claimed that its “proportionate” attacks targeted “Iran-affiliated groups.”. The paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said the “treacherous” United States action killed one of their fighters. A number of other fighters were injured in strikes on their bases in al-Qaim, a town on the Syrian border in western Anbar province, and in Jurf al-Nasr, in the central province of Babil.
US Defense Secretary
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes on three facilities belonging to the Kataib Hezbollah militia and other groups were “in direct response to a series of escalatory attacks” against the United States and other international forces in Iraq and Syria. Major General Yehia Rasool, a spokesman for Prime Minister Sudani, said the United States action was “contributing to a reckless escalation” and undermined years of cooperation. He added that Iraq would treat the United States operations as acts of aggression against its people on their land and urged the international community to help restore peace.
United States military personnel
Last week, four United States military personnel were injured in a ballistic missile and rocket attack on Iraq’s Al Asad air base in Anbar province. The Pentagon said on Tuesday that they had returned to duty and that there was no significant damage to facilities. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed it was behind that attack.
The US has designated the group as a terrorist organization since 2009, accusing it of attacking the United States and Iraqi forces in Iraq on behalf of Iran and threatening Iraq’s stability. The United States and UK have also carried out strikes on Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement in response to its missile and drone attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Missile strikes
In recent weeks, Iran has carried out missile strikes against targets in Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan, which it claimed were linked to the Islamic State group, Israel, and a Baloch separatist group, respectively.
Diplomatic firestorm
The United States airstrikes on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq have sparked a diplomatic firestorm, with the Iraqi government condemning the attacks as a violation of sovereignty. The United States defends its actions as “proportionate” responses to escalating attacks by “Iran-affiliated groups.” This development highlights the complex geopolitical landscape in the region and raises concerns about potential consequences for regional stability.
The Iraqi government has strongly condemned the US strikes, asserting that they infringe upon the nation’s sovereignty. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a paramilitary group, labeled the United States actions as “treacherous” and reported the deaths of one fighter and several others injured in strikes on their bases. United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin justified the strikes as a “direct response” to escalating attacks against the United States and international forces in Iraq and Syria.
Restore peace
The Iraqi government has also appealed for international support, urging the international community to help restore peace. The airstrikes add to heightened tensions in the region, where various actors, including Iran, the United States, and the UK, have engaged in military actions. Iran has carried out missile strikes against targets in Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan in recent weeks, citing links to the Islamic State group, Israel, and a Baloch separatist group, respectively.
United States national security council
The United States national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, has stated that the future of a post-Gaza war cannot include the leaders of Hamas. The US is also involved in “active conversations” on the release of more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The White House has announced that the US would support another “pause” in Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza, such as a 30, 60, or 90-day period.
Aid trucks are facing difficulties reaching people in southern Gaza and central and northern Gaza due to security checks. The Pentagon has reported that the United States has destroyed or degraded over 25 Houthi missile launch facilities and over 20 missiles in Yemen since its initial strikes. New Zealand is deploying a six-member defense force team to contribute to maritime security in the Middle East.
