Iraq Strongly Condemns US Strikes on Iranian-Backed Groups, Heightening Regional Tensions
The Iraqi government has vehemently criticized recent US military strikes targeting sites utilized by Iranian-backed groups operating within the country’s borders. The strikes, deemed “proportionate” by US officials, were directed at factions with ties to Iran, leading to increased hostilities between the two nations.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a paramilitary group predominantly composed of Iran-backed Shia militias, reported casualties in the wake of the strikes, specifically in their bases in al-Qaim and Jurf al-Nasr.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Spokesperson strongly rebuked the United States, accusing it of brazenly violating the nation’s sovereignty. In response, the US justified the strikes, citing the need for a measured response to a series of escalating attacks against international forces.
Major General Yehia Rasool, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Sudani, expressed concern about the potential for a reckless escalation, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He emphasized the imperative of maintaining stability in the region amid heightened tensions.
In light of these developments, Iraq has called upon the international community to play a constructive role in restoring peace, highlighting what it perceives as acts of aggression against its people on their own soil. The national security adviser further criticized the US action, suggesting that efforts should be focused on pressuring Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza rather than targeting Iraqi national entities.
These recent events have added another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between the United States and Iran-backed groups in Iraq. The Al Asad air base, a significant military installation hosting American troops, has become a focal point in the recent conflict, with attacks and counterattacks intensifying tensions in the region. These events unfold against the broader backdrop of intricate regional dynamics, including ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen, along with recent missile strikes by Iran.
