Senior Iraqi Political Figure Threatens to Target U.S. Interests if it Backs Israel
Powerful Iraqi Politician Warns Against U.S. Intervention in Israel-Hamas Conflict
A senior Iraqi political figure, Hadi Al-Amiri, who holds close ties with Iran and plays a vital role in the cross-party alliance that supports Iraq’s government, has issued a threat. He warned that if the United States intervenes to support Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, U.S. interests will become targets.
Al-Amiri, who leads the Badr Organisation, a Shiite political group backed by Iran, is a prominent figure within Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) – the state paramilitary organization comprising numerous Iran-backed factions. During a tribal gathering in Baghdad on Monday night, he declared, “If they intervene, we would intervene. If the Americans intervened openly in this conflict, we will consider all American targets legitimate… and we will not hesitate to target them.”
Al-Amiri’s statement comes in the wake of the United States’ announcement that it will provide additional munitions to Israel promptly and deploy a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean.
In the past, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq frequently launched rocket attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. However, these attacks have been halted since last year, as Iraq experiences a period of relative calm, thanks to a truce agreed upon by Iraqi officials and militia sources.
Currently, the United States maintains 2,500 troops in Iraq, along with an additional 900 in Syria, assisting local troops in their fight against the Islamic State. The PMF has expressed its unwavering support for the Palestinian factions engaged in battle with Israel, and the Iraqi government has condemned Israel’s oppressive policies as the root cause of the ongoing conflict.
Concerns Over Potential U.S. Intervention
The Iraqi political landscape faces a significant turning point as Hadi Al-Amiri, a prominent and influential figure, warns of potential consequences if the United States decides to intervene in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Al-Amiri’s threat to target American interests if the U.S. openly supports Israel has heightened tensions in the region.
Threats and the Role of Al-Amiri
As the leader of the Badr Organisation, a Shiite political group supported by Iran, Al-Amiri plays a crucial role within Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). The PMF, an organization comprising various Iran-backed factions, has been key in maintaining relative calm in Iraq since last year.
Al-Amiri’s warning comes as the United States pledges to provide additional military support to Israel and deploys a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean. His statement, made during a tribal gathering in Baghdad, underscores the potential for further escalation if the U.S. decides to intervene.
The Background of Attacks on U.S. Forces
For years, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq frequently targeted U.S. forces and the U.S. embassy in Baghdad with rocket attacks. However, these attacks have ceased since last year due to a truce agreed upon by Iraqi officials and militia sources.
With tensions escalating once again, concerns arise regarding the future of U.S.-Iraq relations and the potential resumption of attacks on American interests within Iraq. The threat issued by Al-Amiri further exacerbates these concerns.
The United States’ Role in Iraq and Syria
Currently, the United States has 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq, with an additional 900 in Syria. Their mission involves advising and assisting local troops in their efforts to combat the Islamic State, which seized significant territory in both countries in 2014.
The U.S. presence in Iraq and Syria remains significant, but the potential for further escalation due to the Israel-Hamas conflict raises questions about the future of American involvement in the region.
Support for Palestine and Condemnation of Israel
The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) has expressed unwavering support for the Palestinian factions engaged in the conflict with Israel. The Iraqi government has also condemned Israel’s oppressive policies, considering the ongoing conflict a direct consequence of these policies.
As the situation unfolds, the region watches closely to see how the United States and other international players respond to the escalating tensions and potential threats to American interests in Iraq.
