White House Urges Iraq to Act Swiftly Against Iran-Backed Militias After U.S. Airstrikes
In a recent development, the White House has called on Iraq’s government to take immediate action against Iran-backed militias operating within its borders. This comes after a series of airstrikes carried out by the United States in retaliation for the deaths of three American soldiers. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the Iraqi government must “move with more alacrity” to address the threats posed by these militia groups.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for various militia groups, has been responsible for over 165 attacks against U.S. forces since October. The recent deaths of Staff Sgt. William Rivers, Sgt. Breonna Moffett, and Sgt. Kennedy Sanders have prompted President Biden to approve retaliatory strikes. Kirby made it clear that the President will not tolerate such attacks on American soldiers and that the U.S. will respond accordingly.
The Pentagon confirmed that the airstrikes targeted approximately 85 locations in Iraq and Syria. However, this move has drawn criticism from the Iraqi government, which summoned senior U.S. diplomat David Pecker and issued an official protest. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry expressed concern over civilian casualties and emphasized that Iraq does not want to become a battleground for rival countries.
The situation highlights the delicate balance that both Washington and Baghdad are trying to maintain. While the U.S. has around 2,500 troops in Iraq to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State, these militias, armed and trained by Iran, are pressuring the United States to withdraw. A similar mission is underway in Syria, where approximately 900 U.S. troops are stationed.
In addition to the strikes in Iraq and Syria, the United States and Britain launched attacks in Yemen against Houthi militants who have controlled significant parts of the country since 2014. The Houthis have been targeting commercial vessels and U.S. warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The U.S. military officials have stated that they cannot rule out further attacks by these groups on American forces.
The Houthis, like the militias in Iraq and Syria, have linked their attacks to the conflict in Gaza and U.S. support for Israel. They receive weapons and training from Iran, further complicating the situation. Recent rocket attacks against a U.S. military outpost in Syria and threats of retaliation from the Houthis indicate that the conflict may escalate further.
Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, emphasized that the strikes were aimed at reducing the capabilities of Iranian-backed militias and the Houthis. He stated that the U.S. will continue to take action as necessary. Sullivan also acknowledged the potential for reactions from Iran in the coming weeks, but reiterated that President Biden is not seeking to escalate the conflict.
Critics, including Republicans and nonpartisan national security experts, argue that the Biden administration has not done enough to deter Iran’s role in these attacks. Retired Marine Corps general Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie expressed concern over explicitly excluding Iran as a potential target, as it gives them “aid and comfort.” McKenzie believes that Iran should be held at risk to discourage further attacks.
As the Biden administration works to manage the fallout from these events, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been dispatched to the Middle East. This marks his fifth trip to the region since October. Blinken’s visit aims to prevent a wider expansion of the conflict and facilitate postwar planning for Gaza. He will also seek to bridge gaps between Israeli and Arab leaders regarding the creation of a Palestinian state.
Furthermore, Blinken will focus on expanding humanitarian access in Gaza, where Palestinians are facing dire conditions with limited access to food, medicine, and water. The situation in Gaza remains a pressing concern, and efforts are underway to establish a more integrated and peaceful region that ensures security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
In conclusion, the recent airstrikes carried out by the United States in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have sparked tensions and raised concerns about the role of Iran-backed militias and the Houthis. The White House has called on the Iraqi government to take swift action against these groups, while also navigating the delicate balance between maintaining U.S. presence in the region and addressing the concerns of the Iraqi government. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the Middle East aims to prevent further escalation and work towards long-term solutions for Gaza and the broader region. The situation remains fluid, and the international community will closely monitor developments in the coming weeks.