Iraqi Militias Claim 171 US Airspace Breaches

Iran-backed militias in Iraq claim US military aircraft have entered their airspace 171 times since late September.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq issued the count in a report released Friday. The group states that US fighter jets and reconnaissance planes made these incursions between September 30 and Friday. Independent observers have not yet verified the figures. The US-led anti-ISIS coalition formally ended its mission in Iraq on September 30. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced this transition to begin consolidating control over armed groups.

Zaidi extended the deadline for militias to hand over weapons to June 30, 2027. In an interview with Iraqi state media, he stated that no weapons should remain outside state control by that date. The coalition’s departure has sharpened divisions among the militias. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba remain opposed to the disarmament plan. Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have signaled willingness to cooperate with the government.

The IRI also accused Baghdad of yielding to US pressure. The group cited recent reductions in commercial flights and the closing of border crossings with Iran as evidence. They argue these measures appease Washington while leaving Iraq vulnerable. The accusations arrive as speculation grows about a new conflict between the US and Iran.

The US State Department issued a travel advisory update on Saturday. It warned of rising threats from the Iranian-backed Houthis and terrorist groups inside Iraq. The advisory maintained a warning against all travel to the country. It noted that Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure could lead to rapid regional escalation. The department stated that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden violence.

Specific threats include attacks by drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices. The advisory identified airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities as potential targets. It also noted that US intelligence warned of increased Iranian efforts to assassinate American diplomats. A memorandum from National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio dated Friday indicated that some plots had reached advanced stages.