ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - US interests in Iraq have come under repeated rocket and drone attacks since mid-October by Iran-backed militia groups and beyond the condemnations by both Washington and Baghdad, ordinary Iraqis are concerned about the repercussions of these attacks on stability.
There have been at least 92 attacks targeting American interests in both Iraq and Syria since October 17, according to the US Department of Defense, carried out by militia groups over Washington’s support for Israel’s war on Gaza.
Iraqis have endured decades of war, most notably the US invasion of the country in 2003 and the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014. The country is transitioning from a post-conflict era into one of development and reconstruction but many are worried about the impact regional dynamics have on their country.
The rocket and drone attacks have predominantly targeted Anbar’s Ain al-Asad airbase, Erbil’s Harir base, and the vicinity of Erbil International Airport where US forces are stationed. On Friday, rockets targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, prompting US to warn it will not hesitate to take action if the safety of its forces is jeopardized.
“Attacking any foreign mission or diplomatic base is a terrorist crime that exposes the perpetrator to the maximum penalties,” Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani said following the embassy attack.
There are around 2,500 US troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of an international coalition to fight the Islamic State (ISIS).
"Attacks against foreign embassies and foreign military bases that exist legally with the approval of the Iraqi government are attacks that violate the law, embarrass Iraq, and harm Iraq’s reputation internationally,” Mohammed Jumaa, a lawyer in Baghdad told Rudaw's Anmar Ghazi on Sunday, expressing his concern that an escalation in attacks would tarnish Iraq’s image.
Iran holds significant influence in Iraq, with the two countries being connected through political, economic, and religious ties. The majority of the militia groups in Iraq are also believed to be part of Tehran’s network of influence in the region, also known as the “Axis of Resistance.” Its Quds Force, part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is the center of coordination with the proxy groups, and is believed to be sending its proxies weapons and funds. Most of the attacks in the past two months have been claimed by Iran-backed militia groups operating under the name of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
These militia groups also come under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) which are part of the state security apparatus.
Hisham al-Ibrahimi, a civil servant in Baghdad indirectly accused Iran of being behind attacks on the US forces in Iraq.
"Those who carry out the attacks are not one of us. They are not Iraqis. Impossible. I predict they are from outside Iraq. I predict they are hidden people who are sabotaging the political relations between us and America and among neighboring countries," Ibrahimi said.
“Everything that happens is negatively affecting us politically,” he voiced with concern.
The attacks have reignited the decades-long debate on whether US troops should exist in Iraq, renewing calls of withdrawal from those within the country’s political framework who oppose American presence. They have also placed the Sudani government, which seeks to maintain Western support, in a delicate situation as it tries to distance itself from the attacks.
While many locals agree on the negative influence of the attacks on foreign missions and troops a, they still maintain their stance against US presence in the country.
"We are certainly against any attacks or targeting of diplomatic missions and embassies located in the capital, or consulates,” Hashem Nizar, civil servant, said, adding that despite this, “the will of the people is against the presence of American camps or bases.”
“We hope that the parliament will resolve the issue by issuing a decree for a total withdrawal of the American occupation as soon as possible,” Nizar stated.
Analysts have stated that the fact that the attacks are being claimed by only one group shows that there is a supportive consensus among the Iran-backed factions. Hadi al-Amiri, a prominent Shiite politician has justified the attacks as a “natural reaction” to Washington’s support of Israel.
Popular Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has also entered the discussion, using the significance of the Palestinian cause among Iraqis as an opportunity to push for the expulsion of American personnel, and called for the closure of the US embassy in Baghdad.
Washington has repeatedly stated US troops remain in Iraq upon the invitation of the Iraqi government, and that their sole purpose is achieving the enduring defeat of ISIS and preventing a reemergence of the militant group.
Additional reporting by Anmar Ghazi in Baghdad.