US-Israeli Strikes and Iranian Bombs Kill 9, Damage Iraq’s Reluctant Front
Key Takeaways
- March 13 Baghdad explosion likely a U.S. strike targeting Kata’ib Hizballah leader Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi.
- Iran-backed militias in Iraq lash out at the United States amid rising tensions.
- The incidents indicate a widening US-Iranian militias conflict in Iraq.
Iraq Becomes Reluctant Warfront
US-Israeli forces bombed Iraqi sites for the first time, killing nine people.
“WASHINGTON—A house exploded on March 13 in the Karrada neighborhood of Baghdad, with videos of the fiery scene widely shared across social media”
The strikes hit Kataib Hizballah militia headquarters in Fallujah and Saladin.
CENTCOM confirmed the strike after initially denying it.
Rudaw framed Iraq as an increasingly dangerous front involuntarily drawn into the war.
Iraqi Government Caught Between
The Iraq government faces an excruciating dilemma as US pressure clashes with domestic realities.
Reuters reported talks toward disarmament, but Mithal al-Alusi called the report false.
American officials warned militias could be targeted by airstrikes if not dissolved.
Gen. Hyten told Congress the campaign would take some time.
Militias Shift Strategy After PMF Decree
Several groups announced they would suspend military activity and shift to social work.
The Atlantic Council framed this as a potential pivot by the PMF.
This shift comes after a year of strikes and missile attacks that killed hundreds of Iraqis.
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