Recently, the security authorities in Iraq have taken new measures to prevent armed factions from targeting Iraqi bases that host American troops, especially as the authorities expect an increase in attacks following the local elections scheduled for tomorrow, Monday. Sources from the joint military operations command reported that "government directives were issued to enhance the presence of security forces in areas likely to launch rockets targeting Iraqi bases and U.S. forces, as well as areas near the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport."
It is noteworthy that factions such as "Kata'ib Hezbollah," "Nujabaa," "Sayyid al-Shuhada," "Al-Awfiya," and "Imam Ali," decided to unite under a single front called "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" on October 12, having claimed responsibility for more than 75 operations against the American presence in Iraq and neighboring Syrian territories so far. They also announced the death of more than 13 of their members in various American strikes executed in Babel, Anbar, and inside Syria, according to statements issued by the group.
However, other factions have chosen to resort to diplomatic measures and de-escalate tensions towards the Americans, notably the "Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq" group led by Qais al-Khazali, alongside the "Badr" militia headed by Hadi al-Ameri, and "Jund al-Imam" led by Ahmed al-Assadi, aligning themselves with the position of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Al-Sudani recently announced the arrest of some individuals involved in the rocket attack targeting the American embassy and the National Security building, noting that "some of them are linked to security agencies," although these agencies were not named.
The military spokesperson for al-Sudani's government, Yahya Rasul, stated that "the relevant authorities successfully reached those who assisted the perpetrators and provided them with logistical support to access the site of execution and evacuate them from it, and they have been detained for legal action." He emphasized in his statement that "overcoming security challenges in Iraq, completing the construction of its constitutional institutions, and solidifying sovereignty and stability is an achievement paved by the sacrifices of our people and armed forces of all kinds, and it is a fruit that cannot be squandered in the face of all threats," stressing that "there is no alternative to establishing security, as Iraq is on the brink of a long-awaited urban and service renaissance, and such attacks only harm the interests of Iraq and its people."
The "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" group targeted an American base in northeast Syria with drones and achieved direct hits. The group, which includes several Iranian-aligned Iraqi armed factions, stated that it attacked the al-Malkiya base in northeastern Hasekeh province with drones, adding that the attack was "in response to the massacres against our people in Gaza."
Since last October, Iraqi armed factions have carried out more than 70 attacks using explosive drones and Katyusha rockets on American bases in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for U.S. support for Israeli aggression in Gaza, according to statements from multiple armed factions. Many of these factions have recently presented themselves under the title "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" as part of their claims to these operations.
