Militias Report 171 US Air Intrusions Since Coalition Withdrawal

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have accused the United States of conducting 171 unauthorized flights within the country's airspace since the end of September. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella coalition of armed groups, released the figures on Friday. The allegations emerged shortly after the US-led anti-ISIS coalition formally concluded its military mission in Iraq on September 30.

The group stated that it documented the intrusions by US fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft between September 30 and Friday. The militias did not provide independent verification for the count. The accusations place pressure on Baghdad as the Iraqi government moves to consolidate control over non-state armed forces.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has extended the deadline for militia disarmament to June 30, 2027. In an interview with Iraqi state media, he stated that no weapons would remain outside the framework of the state by that date. Zaidi expressed the goal of making Iraq a state free of factions, with weapons held exclusively by Iraqi security forces. The plan is set to take effect within the specified timeframe, though several powerful factions have rejected the initiative.

The coalition's members are divided on the disarmament policy. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba remain opposed to the measures. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate with the government's efforts. The militias also criticized Baghdad for appeasing Washington, citing the reduction of commercial flights and the closure of border crossings with Iran.

The State Department issued an updated travel advisory on Saturday, warning of increasing regional threats that could affect security in Iraq. The advisory maintained its existing warning against all travel to the country. It cited the threat of increased attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis, noting that strikes on Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports and critical infrastructure, could lead to wider regional escalation.

The US Embassy in Iraq stated that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. The advisory specifically noted threats from armed groups inside Iraq, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias. It listed drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices as methods used by these groups to target US persons and interests, including airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities.

US intelligence officials 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 Iranian plots had reached advanced stages. Washington has reduced staffing at several embassies in response to these concerns about regional escalation.