Iraqi ‘resistance’ takes Israeli threats seriously, says Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada spox

BAGHDAD — Kazem Al-Fartousi, the spokesperson for the Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada armed-faction, part of the Iran-affiliated Islamic Resistance in Iraq, stated on Sunday that the Iraqi resistance factions have taken Israeli threats seriously but emphasized that these threats do not signify the end of Iraq. Al-Fartousi also stressed that Iraq will not become a second Syria, holding the Syrian people “responsible” for the devastation in their country. When asked about the factions’ stance if “genocide” were to spread to Iraq, Al-Fartousi responded, “It is most welcome.”

Excerpts from Al-Fartousi’s interview with Utv:

The resistance factions are not war profiteers who benefit from one war or another; rather, they exercise a natural right imposed by their Islamic and Arab identity.

Regarding whether the Israeli threats are serious or not, yes, we have taken them seriously, and we have precautionary measures on the ground to address these threats.

These threats must be taken seriously, but not as if they signify the end of the world. The end of Iraq will not come at the hands of an Israeli aircraft striking here or there. We must approach this matter as if it is a war, as we are in a state of war.

It is an honor for Iraq to be part of this war that devastates Arabs and Muslims, and for it to be recorded in history that it resisted the Zionist entity, regardless of the reasons and outcomes. We should not view these operations as actions outside the framework of legitimacy, as this is an inaccurate description, and everyone should take pride in them.

There is significant embarrassment for the government regarding the attacks launched by the factions, especially in the face of the children, women, and daily massacres. We must bear this embarrassment for a little while.

We are not engaging in a hobby but are acting out of the emotions, feelings, and sense of belonging that connect us to these people.

The long-overdue duty is to arm Iraq with weapons to defend itself so that we are no longer afraid of every passing breeze. Those responsible must acquire air defense systems, like other nations.

No one goes into a battle with a guaranteed victory.

If we are struck, we will also strike back, and we will escalate. If a few of our rockets slip southward, God knows what will happen. Today, I will use all available means, and energy resources belong to the entire world. If the Palestinian and Lebanese people are not protected, then the whole world becomes my target.

You accuse me of having loose weapons, yet you refuse to accept that some of my rockets might slip. So what should I do?

If there is an Israeli strike, it will not deter the resistance, operations will not stop, and we will not remain silent and just take hits. We will not become another Syria.

Syria was destroyed by its own people, and we do not wish for our people to follow the same path.