Iraqi Militias Count 171 US Aircraft Since Coalition Departure

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have accused the United States of violating Iraqi airspace 171 times since the US-led coalition ended its mission on September 30.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for several militias, issued the count in a statement released this week. The group said US fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft entered Iraqi airspace between September 30 and Friday. The allegations have not been independently verified.

Tensions have risen as Baghdad attempts to bring militia weapons under state control. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi extended the disarmament deadline to June 30, 2027. He stated in an interview with Iraqi state media that no weapons should remain outside the state framework by that date.

The coalition formally withdrew on September 30. Zaidi used the transition period to push for disarmament, but powerful factions have reacted differently. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba remain opposed to the plan. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate with government measures.

The militias criticized the Iraqi government for appeasing Washington. They pointed to reduced commercial flights and closed border crossings with Iran as evidence of US pressure. The IRI continues to support Iran amid speculation about a new regional war.

The US State Department updated its travel advisory for Iraq on Saturday. The advisory maintained the warning against all travel to the country. It cited increased threats from Iranian-backed Houthis and the potential for rapid escalation in the region.

The State Department warned that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden violence. It noted that terrorists, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias, encourage attacks against US persons and interests. Potential targets include airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities. The advisory also warned of threats from drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices.

Separate developments involve US intelligence warnings about Iranian assassination plots. A memorandum from US National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio dated Friday warned that some plots had reached advanced stages. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted a gathering center for the Kurdistan Free Life Party in Iran. Clashes with the group’s armed wing have intensified over the last week using drones and artillery.