Iran-backed militias claim 171 US aircraft breached Iraqi airspace since Sept 30

Iran-backed militias in Iraq reported 171 instances of US military aircraft entering Iraqi airspace between September 30 and Friday. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for various armed groups, released the count on October 24. The group stated that US fighter jets and reconnaissance planes violated the country’s borders. Independent verification of the 171 flights has not been completed.

The coalition mission ended on September 30. The US-led anti-ISIS alliance formally concluded its military operations in Iraq on that date. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced the end of the mission. He used the transition period to push for a disarmament plan. The plan aims to place militia weapons under state control by June 30, 2027. Zaidi stated that no weapons will remain outside the state framework by that date.

Several factions rejected the disarmament initiative. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba opposed the measure. Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada expressed willingness to cooperate. Zaidi extended the deadline to June 30, 2027. He told Iraqi state media that Iraq will become a state free of factions. He said weapons will be exclusively in the hands of Iraqi security forces.

The militias accused Baghdad of appeasing the United States. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed Washington pressured Iraq to reduce commercial flights. The group also cited the closure of border crossings with Iran. They argued that these moves favored US interests over Iraqi sovereignty. The accusations occurred amid speculation about a new war with Iran.

The US State Department issued a travel advisory update on Saturday. The embassy in Iraq warned of increasing regional threats. The advisory cited attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis against Saudi Arabia. It noted strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure. The State Department said hostilities could escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area.

The warning identified specific threats to US persons in Iraq. It mentioned terrorists including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias. The department stated these groups encourage and conduct attacks against US interests. Potential targets include airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities. The advisory noted that militias use drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices.

US intelligence warned of increased Iranian assassination efforts. A memorandum dated Friday from National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed the threat. The report indicated that some alleged Iranian plots reached advanced stages. Washington reduced staffing at several embassies due to these concerns.

The IRGC targeted a PJAK gathering center in Iran on Saturday. The Kurdistan Free Life Party is an Iranian Kurdish opposition group. Clashes between the IRGC and the PJAK armed wing intensified over the last week. Iran used drones and artillery against mountainous areas. The Mehr News Agency described the operation as a preemptive strike.