Recent violence in Syria along with U.S. strikes against the Houthis in Yemen has led to new armed factions in Iraq threatening America and Syria.
In the last week three front groups the Abbas Martyrdom Shield Forces, the Popular Ali Formation and the Scream of Jerusalem Brigades have threatened to take action in Syria and against the United States. The Abbas Martyrdom Forces for instance said it would launch martyrdom operations to free Syria and attack American interests for recent strikes upon Yemen’s Houthis. These are all likely connected to members of the Iraqi Resistance a collection of pro-Iran Hashd factions such as Asaib Ail Al-Haq, Kataib Hezbollah, Al-Nujaba, and others. They use front groups so that they can deny responsibility and hope to avoid U.S. retaliation.
According to Al Mada members of the ruling Coordination Framework are upset with recent events as well. Syria’s new Foreign Minister visited Baghdad and several Shiite parties objected. There is talk about intervening in Syria and perhaps overthrowing the new government to restore President Assad or at least a pro-Iranian regime.
This all may be playing into the hands of the Trump administration that wants to take on Iran’s allies in Iraq. Defense Secretary Pete Hesgeth called Prime Minister Mohammed Sudani on Sunday and warned him to stop any factions from attacking Americans in retaliation for Yemen. Iraqi analysts think the U.S. wants to strike the Resistance and is just looking for an excuse. Washington is also threatening sanctions and other actions unless the Resistance is disbanded or disarmed. This is all part of President Trump’s renewed Maximum Pressure campaign to curtail Iran’s influence.
SOURCES
Al Aalem, “After Yemen, a warning against US intervention in Iraq and a faction We will respond,” 3/18/25
Bas News, “New Iraqi Armed Factions Vow to Target US Over Yemen Strikes,” 3/16/25
Al Mada, “Fatherless Factions: Messages of a Possible Attack on Tehran After the Houthis,” 3/18/25
No comments:
Post a Comment