Iraq's Prime Minister strongly condemned the repeated attacks on bases hosting US troops within Iraq, stating that the United States is in Iraq at the official invitation of the Iraqi government to support and train security forces. These condemnations come against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, which has fueled tensions in the region.

Ongoing Militia Strikes

Iraqi militias with ties to Iran have frequently targeted US interests in Iraq, citing Washington's support for Israel as a primary motivation. These attacks have escalated to the point where they have become a daily occurrence, prompting the US State Department to issue an updated travel advisory warning US citizens against traveling to Iraq.

Government's Stance

In a statement issued by Yehia Rasool, the military spokesperson for Prime Minister Sudani, Iraq reaffirmed its rejection of the attacks on Iraqi bases that house international coalition partners in Iraq, who are present at the official invitation of the Iraqi government. The statement emphasized the government's condemnation of the Israeli aggression against Gaza and its commitment to maintaining security and stability in the country.

US Embassy Evacuations

As a response to the increased security threats against US government personnel and interests, the United States has begun evacuating non-emergency staff and eligible family members from its embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil. These actions underscore the seriousness of the situation and the risks faced by US personnel in the region.

Protests and Escalating Tensions

Angry with the United States' support for Israel during the Israel-Gaza conflict, Iraqi citizens have been protesting near the US embassy in Baghdad. Simultaneously, Iran-backed militia groups have continued to carry out rocket and drone strikes against US bases in Anbar and Erbil provinces.

The recent death of a US contractor, who suffered a heart attack while seeking shelter during an attack, has further highlighted the dangers faced by personnel in the region.

US Deployment and Iraq's Position

In response to these escalations, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced new deployments to the Middle East to bolster the Department of Defense's posture in the region. The decision followed discussions with President Joe Biden regarding recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces in the Middle East.

It's worth noting that pro-Iran militias have previously warned American troops that their bases and interests would be considered "legitimate targets" if the US intervened in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Iraq, as a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, has been critical of Israel's actions in Gaza.

Targeted Bases and Historical Context

The attacks have primarily focused on bases such as Harir airbase, located northeast of Erbil, and Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq's Anbar province. These bases host US-led coalition personnel and Iraqi army troops. Notably, attacks on American military assets in Iraq and Syria have been on the rise since the targeted drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020, which resulted in the deaths of Qasem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) deputy commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The US claimed at the time that Soleimani was planning imminent action against US personnel in Iraq.

These attacks have often been attributed to pro-Iran militia groups, adding complexity to the situation in Iraq, a country that has long been caught in the competing demands of its principal allies, the United States and Iran.