Militias Log 171 US Flights

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have recorded 171 instances of US military aircraft entering Iraqi airspace since September 30, according to a report by Rudaw. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for these groups, released the count on Friday. The allegations have not been independently verified. The period covered by the count begins the day after the US-led anti-ISIS coalition formally ended its mission in the country.

The statement was issued amid rising tension between the Iraqi government and the militias over the control of weapons. The IRI accused the government in Baghdad of yielding to Washington. The group expressed dissatisfaction with Baghdad's recent moves to reduce commercial flights and close border crossings with Iran. The militias argue that US pressure is forcing the government to appease Washington at the expense of local security interests.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has linked the coalition's departure to a plan to consolidate weapons under state authority. Several powerful factions have rejected this initiative, while others have agreed to cooperate. The disarmament plan is scheduled to take full effect by June 30, 2027. Zaidi stated in an interview with Iraqi state media that no weapons should remain outside the state framework by that date.

Specific factions have taken distinct positions on the disarmament drive. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba remain opposed to the government's measures. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate. Zaidi reiterated his goal of an Iraq free of external factions, noting that weapons should be held exclusively by Iraqi security forces.

The US State Department issued an updated travel advisory for Iraq on Saturday. The advisory warned of increasing regional threats that could impact security in the country. It cited the threat of increased attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis, including strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The State Department noted that hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area.

The advisory maintained a warning against all travel to Iraq. It stated that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence. The department highlighted threats from armed groups inside Iraq, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias. These groups are accused of encouraging and conducting attacks against US persons and interests using drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices.

Potential targets for these attacks include airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities. The State Department warned that militias threaten American citizens and international companies. This assessment aligns with the view that Washington continues to see Iran-aligned militias as a primary security concern, even after the coalition's withdrawal.

Separate intelligence reports suggest increased Iranian efforts to target American personnel. A memorandum dated Friday from National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that some alleged Iranian plots to assassinate diplomats had reached advanced stages. Washington has responded by reducing staffing at several embassies amid concerns about regional escalation.

In Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted a gathering center for the Kurdistan Free Life Party on Saturday. The attack occurred within Iran but may have implications for Iraq. Clashes between the IRGC and the PJAK's armed wing have intensified over the past week. Iranian forces have used drones and artillery against mountainous areas where Kurdish fighters operate. The Mehr News Agency described the operation as a preemptive strike.