This threat has exacerbated an already tense situation as Iraq prepares for a possible US response to last week’s rocket attack on the Ain al-Asad base that injured several US soldiers. (Getty)
The Coordination Committee of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has issued a stern warning and promised “unlimited retaliation” against the United States if it carries out further attacks on militant Iraqi groups or uses Iraqi airspace to attack Iran.
This threat has exacerbated an already tense situation as Iraq prepares for a possible US response to last week’s rocket attack on the Ain al-Asad base that injured several US soldiers. A newly formed armed group called “Al-Thawiroun (The Revolutionaries)” claimed responsibility for the attack.
The escalation followed a telephone conversation between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in which both sides stressed the need for de-escalation and efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating.
In a statement released early Monday, the Coordination Committee accused the United States of violating Iraqi sovereignty and prioritizing Israel’s security over regional stability. The group said it would not abide by any restrictions if U.S. forces continued their operations and warned that its response would be “without limits.”
Meanwhile, Harakat al-Nujaba, another Iraqi group close to Iran, announced its intention to take part in military retaliation following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah member Fouad Shukr. Ali al-Asadi, head of Harakat al-Nujaba’s political council, stressed in an interview with a local Iraqi television station that while Iraq is trying not to become a battlefield, it is being pushed into conflict from outside.
In response to these threats, US-led coalition forces in Iraq have increased security measures at key locations, including the Ain al-Asad base, Camp Victory near Baghdad airport, and Harir Air Base in Erbil.
While tensions are rising, the situation remains unstable and both sides are prepared for the possibility of further conflict.
