Blinken, PM of Iraq discuss escalating attacks on US forces in Iraq
ERBIL, KRG, Iraq (North Press) – The US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, discussed the recent attacks on US and US-led Global Coalition in Iraq with Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani on Tuesday and called on Baghdad to ensure their safety.
The discussions took place via phone following a series of drone attacks last week on Ain al-Asad airbase in the Anbar Governorate in western Iraq and Harir in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, following a surprise attack by Hamas, many militias in Iraq, Syria, and even Lebanon have stepped up their threats of targeting US forces.
According to a statement from the US Department of State, Blinken said, “The Secretary urged the Prime Minister to pursue those behind the attacks and fulfill Iraq’s commitment to maintain the security at these installations.”
US Department of Defense spokesman Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said on Tuesday that US troops stationed in Iraq and Syria have faced 13 attacks over the past week, involving both drones and rockets.
On the same day, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that twenty US military personnel were wounded last week in a series of drone attacks at US bases in Syria and Iraq.