Blinken urges Iraq to safeguard U.S. troops from Iran-backed threats
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken emphasized on Monday the need for Iraq to safeguard Coalition military advisors from potential attacks by Iranian-backed militias.
During a call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani, Blinken underscored the importance of “Iraq’s responsibility to protect Coalition military advisors from attacks by Iran-aligned militias.”
On Aug. 5, five American soldiers were injured when two Katyusha rockets were fired at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq. The Pentagon attributed the attack to Iranian-backed militias.
Blinken and al-Sudani focused on regional stability and diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation amidst rising tensions.
Tension surges in the Middle East region after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Hamas, in Tehran, with the potential for more attacks from Iranian-backed militias.
Iran threatened to avenge against Israel, whom they blamed for Haniyeh’s killing. Israel has not taken responsibility for the killing.
Haniyeh’s assassination, along with the assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr by an Israeli strike in Beirut, has raised concerns about the conflict in Gaza escalating into a broader Middle East war.
A drone attack on Aug. 9 injured several American and Coalition personnel in Kharab al-Jir base near the town of Rmelan in Northeast Syria. The Pentagon said Iranian-backed militias were responsible for the attack.