Iraq Condemns U.S. Strikes Amid Regional Tensions

Baghdad has voiced strong opposition to a new series of U.S. military strikes within Iraq, with Iraqi military spokesman Yehia Rasool stating, “This unacceptable act undermines years of [U.S.–Iraq] cooperation, blatantly violates Iraq’s sovereignty, and amounts to an irresponsible escalation.” 

This warning comes amid concerns about escalating tensions in the volatile Middle East.

U.S. Strikes in Response to Militia Threats

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on January 23 targeting facilities linked to Shiite militia groups. 

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin explained, “U.S. military forces conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia group and other Iran-affiliated groups in Iraq.” 

This action was taken in response to attacks by Iranian-sponsored militias against U.S. and Coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria.

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Kataib Hezbollah’s Involvement and U.S. Designation

The U.S. State Department considers Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraq-based group, a terrorist organization. 

Despite the loss of at least one fighter in these strikes, the group has vowed to continue its actions against U.S. bases until the cessation of Israeli operations in Gaza.

Iraq’s Stance on U.S. Military Presence

Around 2,500 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Iraq under an agreement with Baghdad, part of a coalition aimed at preventing the resurgence of ISIS. 

The presence of U.S. forces in Syria, however, is viewed by the Syrian government as an illegal occupation.

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Rising Tensions and Calls for U.S. Withdrawal

Following the U.S. airstrikes, Rasool emphasized that Baghdad would treat these strikes as acts of aggression and “take whatever actions are necessary to preserve the lives and dignity of Iraqi citizens.”

This stance follows a missile and rocket attack on a U.S. airbase in western Iraq, which has amplified calls for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region.

Impact of U.S. Drone Strike on Iraqi Militia Leader

Earlier this month, a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad killed Mushtaq Jawad Kazim al-Jawari, leader of Iraq’s Harakat al-Nujaba militia group. 

The Pentagon described Harakat al-Nujaba as an Iranian proxy and implicated it in earlier attacks on U.S. military bases.

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