Amid US warnings

Iraqi PM assures protection of US interests

2024-08-06 | 22:13

NEWSROOM – Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani of potential severe strikes against Iraqi militias if they escalate against US interests. The warning was delivered two days ago, cautioning that any such escalation would provoke a strong response.

Al-Sudani assured Blinken that he would protect US forces and interests from threats, on the condition that no militia group would be targeted. According to Al-Akhbar’s source, Blinken emphasized the need to shield US troops from armed factions, warning that any escalation would have negative repercussions for the militias involved.

Amid increasing US pressure, the Iraqi Joint Operations Command announced it had identified crucial information on the perpetrators of the August 5 attack on Ain Al-Asad Airbase in Anbar and vowed to bring them to justice. The attack, involving two rockets launched from a Kia truck in Haditha, targeted the base where international coalition advisors are stationed. The Command emphasized Iraq’s commitment to sovereignty and condemned any attacks on its soil. It also noted that those responsible for the security lapse, including leaders and officers, will be held accountable.

In light of growing concerns about further regional escalations, Iraqi government spokesperson Basem Al-Awadi stated that Iraq is actively working to stabilize the region amidst the recent escalation. Iraq has engaged with the United Nations Security Council, the Arab League, and various stakeholders to address the current crisis. However, he cautioned that mediation efforts are hindered by escalating Israeli actions, multiple fronts of conflict, sovereignty violations, widespread assassinations, and the threat of a new front opening in Lebanon. Al-Awadi emphasized that these efforts would not be effective unless Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions were curbed and the conflict in Gaza was brought to an end.

Meanwhile, as Iraq strives to curb pro-Iran armed groups, Hassan Salem, a member of the Iran-backed Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq group, stated that Iraqi resistance believes the US “occupation” in Iraq will only end through painful strikes. However, he acknowledged the importance of government negotiations aimed at rapidly scheduling the US withdrawal.

For their part, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant considered the recent attack on US forces at the Ain Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq as a serious escalation, highlighting Iran’s destabilizing role in Iraq and the region, according to a Pentagon statement. Several Americans were injured in the rocket attack on Al-Asad Airbase on Monday. A new group calling itself the “Islamic Resistance of Iraq-Revolutionaries” claimed responsibility for the rocket attack in a circulated statement.

Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq’s Salem told Lebanese media that there is joint coordination between Iraqi armed factions and other fronts to consider responses to Israel’s killing of Hamas chief Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah military official Fuad Shukr, and the US attacks on the Popular Mobilization Forces in Jurf Al-Sakhar.