Iran-backed groups log 171 US flights after coalition withdrawal
Militias accuse Washington of airspace violations while Baghdad pushes to consolidate weapons control by mid-2027.
By Camila Rodriguez ·
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq accused the United States of violating Iraqi airspace with 171 flights by fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft. The group documented these movements between September 30 and Friday, according to a report by Rudaw. These allegations emerged as tensions rose between the Iraqi government and Iran-backed factions 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 disarmament, aiming to bring all militia weapons under state control. The deadline for full compliance is set for June 30, 2027. Zaidi stated in an interview with Iraqi state media that by that date, no weapons will remain outside the framework of the state. He described the goal as making Iraq a state free of factions, with weapons exclusively in the hands of the Iraqi security forces.
The militia response has been split. 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 IRI also blamed Baghdad for appeasing the US, citing Washington pressure to reduce commercial flights and close border crossings with Iran.
The US State Department issued a travel advisory update on Saturday, warning of increasing regional threats. It noted that Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia could lead to wider escalation. The advisory maintained a warning against all travel to Iraq, stating that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence. It specifically cited threats from armed groups, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias.
The Department warned that terrorists encourage and conduct attacks against US persons and interests in Iraq. Potential targets include airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities. The advisory noted that militias threaten American citizens and international companies using drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices.
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 alleged plots had reached advanced stages. Washington has reduced staffing at several embassies amid concerns about regional escalation.
Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted a gathering center of the Kurdistan Free Life Party in Iran. The IRGC described the operation as a preemptive strike against members preparing attacks. Clashes between the IRGC and the party's armed wing have intensified over the last week, with Iran using drones and artillery in mountainous areas.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
