The Iraqi government strongly criticized the US airstrikes on sites used by Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, calling them a blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty.
The US stated that the attacks, aimed at “Iran-affiliated groups,” were proportionate responses to previous escalatory attacks against US and international forces in Iraq and Syria. The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), dominated by Iran-backed Shia militias, reported one fighter killed and several injured in the strikes on their bases in al-Qaim and Jurf al-Nasr. Iraq’s Prime Minister spokesperson condemned the US action, stating it contributes to reckless escalation and undermines years of cooperation.
The Iraqi government views the operations as acts of aggression on its land and calls for international help to restore peace. Iraq’s national security adviser urged the US to focus on halting the Israeli offensive in Gaza instead of bombing Iraqi bases.
In a recent ballistic missile and rocket attack on Iraq’s Al Asad air base, four US military personnel were injured. The Pentagon confirmed their return to duty and reported no significant damage to facilities. The attack, attributed to an Iran-backed militia by the US military’s Central Command, targeted the air base hosting American troops.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group formed in late 2023 with ties to Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack and has been involved in other recent attacks against US forces. US Defense Secretary Austin emphasized the readiness to protect personnel and facilities and called on the groups and their Iranian sponsors to cease the attacks.
In a separate statement, Centcom reported that the strikes occurred at 00:15 local time on Wednesday (21:15 GMT Tuesday).
The targets included Kataib Hezbollah (Brigades of the Party of God) headquarters, storage, and training locations for rocket, missile, and one-way attack UAV capabilities. Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iraqi Shia militia with ties to Iran, has been designated a terrorist organization by the US since 2009. The recent attack on Al Asad air base followed a US drone strike in Baghdad earlier in the month, contributing to escalating tensions in the region.
The US and UK have also conducted strikes on Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement in response to its attacks on international shipping. Iran, in turn, has carried out missile strikes against various targets, linking them to the Islamic State group, Israel, and a Baloch separatist group. The situation reflects a complex and multifaceted regional dynamic involving multiple actors and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
