US Military Conducts Airstrikes on Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq
The U.S. military executed airstrikes on Tuesday that targeted the command centers of Iraq’s Iranian-backed Shiite militia, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), as well as the residences of their leaders. This move marks an escalation in the U.S. operations against what they consider a significant threat from these groups.
This assault follows comments made last week by General Dan Cain, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who indicated that AH-64 helicopters were engaged in strikes against Iranian-aligned militias. Their purpose? To mitigate any threats to U.S. personnel and interests in Iraq.
Addressing the issue, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani stated, “Given the unprovoked airstrikes and severe infringements on Iraq’s sovereignty — particularly aimed at our official security entities — the Security Council has resolved to confront and respond with all available means to military aircraft and drone attacks targeting our forces.” He added that Iraq has a right to defend itself.
Iraqi Government and Reactions
In light of these tensions, Sudani mentioned plans to summon both the U.S. chargé d’affaires and the Iranian ambassador for discussions. It’s worth noting that the PMF operates as part of the Iraqi government.
A Kurdish governmental official raised concerns, asking, “So what’s the plan for the Iraqi government in confronting the U.S. military from this point forward?” In response to queries about the Kurdish officials’ comments, a spokesperson from the Iraqi embassy in Washington dismissively stated, “Certainly not. We stand against any elements targeting U.S. personnel.”
Reports have indicated that additional airstrikes struck PMF locations in western Iraq on Wednesday, with two missiles reportedly launched from fighter jets at a site in Anbar province, where previous attacks had also occurred.
A spokesman from the Iraqi embassy later noted that rapid updates were not available concerning the swift changes unfolding in Iraq.
Military Engagements and Statement from the PMF
The PMF has been engaged in conflicts, particularly following a joint U.S.-Israel operation against Iran. They have been involved in attacks on U.S. assets, including the embassy in Baghdad and military installations in Iraqi Kurdistan. The PMF has long faced accusations related to the deaths of U.S. military personnel in the region.
During a recent airstrike, PMF leader Farih al-Fayad was not at his residence when it was hit in Mosul. Reports suggest that at least 15 members were killed during the strikes in Anbar province.
A Kurdish official commented, “The militias are aggressively following directives from Iran, targeting U.S. forces and even Iraqi intelligence services. This kind of aggression is indisputable and has been openly claimed by these factions.”
Insights from Experts
Elizabeth Tsurkov, a specialist on the PMF, expressed that the Biden administration’s attempts to differentiate between the PMF and certain militias labeled as terrorist organizations have created an atmosphere of paranoia. She emphasized that recent airstrikes indicate the United States is growing impatient with maintaining such distinctions, highlighting that the PMF as a whole is problematic.
Tsurkov, who has personal experience of captivity in Iraq, noted that the U.S. maintains considerable influence over Iraq, stating they could impose sanctions on specific ministries and financial systems to cripple support for Iran.
Warnings from the U.S. and Closing Remarks
The situation has escalated to the point where a U.S. Central Command spokesperson directed inquiries to the White House and the Secretary of the Army regarding policy responses. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad recently cautioned that Iranian-backed militias are actively launching attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq, advising American citizens to leave the country immediately.
As events continue to unfold, the involvement of various actors and the repercussions of these military engagements remain to be seen.
