The Islamic Resistance in Iraq issued on Friday a warning to the United States and Israel against committing any reckless acts in Iraq or allied countries, asserting that their response would be direct wherever they could reach. In a statement, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq stated: “The renaming of the American occupation as a coalition, a sustainable security partnership, or others, holds no value as long as their occupying forces are stationed in wounded Iraq, violating its sovereignty, airspace, and controlling its security decisions, including dominance over joint operations and other security junctures. In fact, they have increased their occupying force, confirming they have no intentions to withdraw from the country.”
The statement added: “American criminality is increasing day by day in its support for the Zionist entity, and we hold Americans fully responsible if their forces or the entity commit any folly in Iraq or allied countries, as our response will be immediate wherever we can reach.”
It is noteworthy that the resistance factions in Iraq have occasionally claimed responsibility for shelling areas in Israel, and U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq in response to the destructive Israeli war on Gaza. The factions also warned the United States that they “will increase the number of armed operations in response to Washington’s continued military aid to the Israeli army.”
Since October 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has intensified its operations against US forces, largely in response to US support for Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This has included a range of attacks from drone strikes to missile attacks targeting US military bases in Iraq and Syria. These actions highlight a broader strategy by Iran-backed militias to challenge US presence and influence in the region amidst the wider Middle Eastern conflicts.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, part of a coalition of Iran-backed militias, has been particularly active, claiming responsibility for numerous attacks on American bases. These attacks are part of a significant escalation in response to the perceived American backing of Israeli actions in Gaza, which the militias argue exacerbate the conflict and increase regional instability. U.S. military responses have included defensive actions to thwart drone and missile attacks, which have resulted in minor injuries among coalition forces and damage to military infrastructure.