Iraqi Groups Renew Attacks Upon US Targets In Retaliation For Gaza War

For five days pro-Iran groups in Iraq have launched attacks upon U.S. targets in Iraq. Ain Al-Asad airbase in Anbar and Al-Harir airbase in Irbil have been the prime targets. This is in retaliation for America’s support of Israel in its current war with Palestinians in Gaza.

 

Factions aligned with Iran began strikes upon Iraqi airbases housing U.S. troops on October 18. Al-Asad base in Anbar was attacked October 18, 19, 21, and 22 while al-Harir was targeted October 18 and 21. A mix of drones and rockets were used. The August 18 assault upon Asad led to minor injuries and possible concussions for American soldiers. A group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has taken responsibility for most of these operations which is an umbrella group for various Hashd al-Shaabi units.

 

It appears that not only those groups are involved but Moqtada al-Sadr’s Saraya al-Salam. A researcher close to the Sadrists said as much to Al Mada. Sadr has also ordered his followers to protest against the war.

 

All of these groups have talked about Zionism being a threat to the region. Pro-Iran groups annually have a Quds Day march for instance against Israel and America which follows Iran’s example. It was only natural then that they would begin attacks upon U.S. troops as the war in Gaza escalated.

 

That being said these operations are more for show and to make a statement that they stand with Palestine rather than hoping to cause any real damage or casualties. These factions could unleash a barrage of rockets and a wave of drones for instance but instead have only been using them in very small numbers. They could start hitting embassies however once the Israeli invasion of Gaza begins.

 

There are also reports that Hashd fighters are in Lebanon working with Hezbollah there. On October 16 for instance there was a story that a fighter from Hezbollah al-Nujaba was killed in Lebanon along the border in an Israeli airstrike.

 

The U.S. response has been low key so far. President Biden phoned Prime Minister Sudani asking that Iraq not arm or send money to the Palestinians. It also evacuated some of its staff from the U.S. embassy recently. In the past Washington has only retaliated when it suffered casualties. It has also publicly ignored the connection between the Hashd groups and Baghdad. Those policies will likely continue as the White House is not looking to cause more conflict in the Middle East.

 

SOURCES

 

Al Aalem, “Street war .. Will the Iraqi factions enter into a war with America for the sake of Palestine?” 10/10/23

 

Asharq Al-Awsat, "US Says Thwarts Drone Attack on Its Troops in Iraq," 10/18/23

 

Bas News, “Pro-Iran Iraqi Leaders Head to Syria, Lebanon Amid Gaza Conflict,” 10/15/23

- “Pro-Iran Militiamen Killed Amid Gaza Conflict: Report,” 10/16/23

 

Bechocha, Julian, "Iran=backed Iraqi militia says drone struck US base in Erbil," 10/18/23

 

Buratha News, “Sayid al-Shuhada Brigades: The resistance is preparing for battle … American bases are a target,” 10/22/23

 

Kurdistan 24, “Fifth drone strike in past week targets U.S. troops,” 10/21/23

 

Al Mada, “The factions’ drones and missiles bomb the camps and the Framework is embarrassed,” 10/21/23

- “In a move that could cause chaos .. threats to target the interests of countries that support Israel in Iraq,” 10/14/23

- “Washington warned Baghdad against the participation of factions and investigations into the transfer of weapons and dollars to Hamas,” 10/18/23

 

Al Masalah, “The Islamic Resistance in Iraq reveals the targeting of an American base near Erbil Airport,” 10/21/23

 

NINA, “Head of the PMF: We Will Carry Out All Duties Towards The Palestinians, Including The Military Level,” 10/14/23

 

Reuters, “Senior Iraqi political figure threatens to target US interests if it backs Israel,” 10/10/23

 

Shafaq News, “Targeting Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq with Karad missiles,” 10/19/23

 

Stewart, Phil, Ismail, Amina and Rasheed, Ahmed, “Drones target US troops in Iraq, causing minor injuries,” Reuters, 10/19/23

 

Al Sumaria, “In Anbar … a missile strike targets Ain al-Assad,” 10/19/23

 

Wallace, Danielle, “State Dept orders departure from Iraq of non-emergency government workers,” Fox News, 10/22/23

 

Xinhua, “2 rockets hit Iraqi base housing U.S. forces,” 10/20/23

- “Iraqi Shiite militia claim drone, rocket attacks on U.S. bases in Syria,” 10/19/23

- “Rockets hit Iraqi base housing U.S. forces in W. Iraq,” 10/22/23