Iraqi Militias Log 171 US Air Raids Since Coalition Exit

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for Iran-backed militias, released a report accusing the United States of violating Iraqi airspace. The group documented 171 incursions by American fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft. These flights occurred between September 30 and Friday. The allegations have not been independently verified by other agencies.

The accusations surfaced as tensions rose between Baghdad and the militias. The dispute centers on the Iraqi government's effort to place weapons under state control. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq expressed dissatisfaction with what it views as Baghdad's appeasement of Washington. The group criticized the Iraqi government for reducing commercial flights and closing border crossings with Iran.

The timeline of the alleged violations begins immediately after the US-led anti-ISIS coalition ended its military mission in Iraq. That mission concluded on September 30. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has attempted to use the transition period to consolidate power. His administration seeks to bring militia weapons under government authority. Several powerful factions have rejected the initiative, while others have agreed to cooperate.

According to reports from Rudaw, specific militias have taken distinct positions on the disarmament plan. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba remain opposed to the policy. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to work with the government. Zaidi extended the deadline for the disarmament process to June 30, 2027.

In an interview with Iraqi state media, Zaidi stated that no weapons would remain outside the framework of the state by the new deadline. He described the goal as making Iraq a state free of factions, similar to other nations. Zaidi said that weapons would be exclusively in the hands of Iraqi security forces. The plan faces challenges as Iran-backed factions continue to view their arms as necessary against Washington and Israel.

The US State Department issued a travel advisory update on Saturday. The document warned of increasing regional threats that could impact security in Iraq. The advisory cited threats from the Iranian-backed Houthis. It noted that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure, could lead to wider escalation. The State Department maintained its existing warning against all travel to the country.

The advisory specifically identified threats from armed groups inside Iraq. It stated that terrorists, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias, conduct attacks against US persons and interests. The department noted that these groups threaten American citizens and international companies. Potential targets include airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities. Methods of attack cited include drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices.

US intelligence has also warned of increased Iranian efforts to assassinate American diplomats. A memorandum dated Friday from US National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that some plots had reached advanced stages. This report coincides with Washington reducing staffing at several embassies due to concerns about regional escalation. The IRGC also targeted a PJAK gathering center in Iran on Saturday, using drones and artillery.

The State Department warned that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence. It highlighted that hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area. The advisory emphasized that armed groups inside Iraq actively encourage and conduct attacks. Zaidi's government continues to insist it will end the presence of factions operating outside state control. The disarmament plan is set to take full effect by June 2027.