Militias Count 171 US Jets in Iraqi Skies

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for Iran-backed militias, accused the United States of breaching Iraqi airspace on Friday. The group stated that it documented 171 violations by US fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft between September 30 and the date of the report. The allegations were not independently verified by outside observers or the US military.

These accusations emerged as tensions rose between the Iraqi government and armed groups over the control of weapons. The US-led anti-ISIS coalition formally ended its military mission in Iraq on September 30. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has used this transition to push for state control over militia arsenals. The disarmament plan is set to take effect by June 2027, though reactions from various factions have been mixed.

Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba remain opposed to the disarmament initiative. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate with government measures. The militias criticized Baghdad for what they described as appeasing Washington under pressure. They also objected to recent reductions in commercial flights and the closing of border crossings with Iran.

Al-Zaidi extended the deadline for disarmament to June 30, 2027. In an interview with Iraqi state media, he said, "no weapons will remain outside the framework of the state." He added that Iraq would soon be a state free of factions, with weapons exclusively in the hands of security forces. The goal is to end the presence of armed groups operating outside state control.

The US State Department issued a travel advisory on Saturday warning of increased regional threats. The update cited the threat of attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis and terrorist threats from groups inside Iraq. It noted that Houthi strikes on Saudi airports and infrastructure could lead to wider escalation. The advisory maintained the warning against all travel to Iraq.

The State Department stated that terrorists, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias, conduct attacks against US persons and interests. It identified airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities as potential targets. The department warned that militias use drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices against American citizens and international companies.

US intelligence also warned of increased Iranian efforts to assassinate American diplomats and officials in the Middle East. A memorandum dated Friday from National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that some plots had reached advanced stages. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps reported a preemptive strike against the Kurdistan Free Life Party in Iran. Clashes between the Guard and the party's armed wing have intensified over the last week using drones and artillery.