Strikes on Iraq bases have intensified in the past 48 hours, killing multiple Iran-backed fighters and triggering renewed tensions across the country. The strikes on Iraq bases targeted sites used by Kataeb Hezbollah and other Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) factions, according to security officials and group sources.
The escalation follows the ongoing US-Israel campaign on Iran and has brought Iraq into a volatile regional confrontation that Baghdad insists it does not want to be dragged into.
New strikes hit Jurf al Nasr base south of Baghdad
A source from Kataeb Hezbollah told AFP that three strikes targeted the group’s stronghold in Jurf al Nasr on Monday. The area is one of the movement’s main operational hubs and has been repeatedly targeted since the start of the US-Israel campaign on Iran.
Iraq has warned it wants to avoid becoming a battleground between Washington and Tehran. However, factions aligned with Tehran and operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq say they will not remain neutral and plan to defend Iran.
Drone attacks claim responsibility for Baghdad airport strikes
A group calling itself Saraya Awliyaa al Dam said it launched drone attacks early Monday targeting Baghdad International Airport. The group claims to belong to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. No casualties were immediately reported.
Eight fighters killed in separate attacks across Iraq
Separate strikes on Sunday killed eight Iran-backed fighters from the PMF and Kataeb Hezbollah, according to AFP sources.
Four PMF fighters were killed in an airstrike in Diyala province that hit their base. Another eight were injured. PMF sources described the attack as a “Zionist-American bombing” and released images from funerals where Iraqi and Iranian flags were carried by mourners.
Kataeb Hezbollah confirms casualties near Syria border
Two separate reports confirmed that four Kataeb Hezbollah fighters were killed near al Qaim on the Iraq Syria border in what group sources described as an “American-Israeli bombing”. A later update reported two additional Kataeb Hezbollah fighters killed in a similar strike, bringing the total killed near the border to at least six in 24 hours.
Erbil under repeated drone attacks
New explosions were heard Sunday evening in Erbil where US-led coalition forces and a major US consulate are based. AFP journalists reported loud bangs near the airport as defence systems intercepted drones.
The Kurdistan region has seen repeated drone interceptions since the latest escalation, with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claiming dozens of attacks on US bases in Iraq and the region.
Iran says it targeted US positions in Kurdistan
Earlier Sunday, Iran claimed it struck US facilities in Iraqi Kurdistan amid its broader missile campaign against Israel and Gulf states. US defence systems later intercepted multiple drones over Erbil.
Protests escalate in Baghdad amid anger over Khamenei’s killing
Baghdad declared three days of mourning after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The incident has intensified anger among Iran-aligned groups in Iraq.
Hundreds attempt to storm US embassy
Hundreds of protesters attempted to enter Baghdad’s Green Zone on Sunday. Chanting “for you Khamenei”, they threw stones at security forces who responded with tear gas. More clashes erupted near the US embassy later in the day.
A protest leader, Abu Ali al Kanani, said demonstrators demanded the expulsion of American forces and the closure of what he called the “embassy of evil”.
Iraq caught between major powers
Iraq remains in a precarious position. The United States and Iran both wield significant influence in Baghdad and over various armed groups. While Iraq seeks to preserve recent security gains and avoid being drawn into the conflict, the growing number of strikes on Iraqi territory suggests rising risks.
Conclusion:
The latest strikes on Iraq bases deepen tensions at a moment of intense regional volatility. With armed groups, foreign militaries, and political actors all involved, Iraq faces mounting pressure as violence escalates on multiple fronts.
