ERBIL, Iraq - Iran-backed Iraqi militias have fired 966 one-way attack drones and missiles at the Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq since Feb. 28, killing 32 people and injuring around 150 others, according to new data published by the Rudaw Media Network, as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan warned Baghdad that attacks launched from Iraqi soil would be met with direct military retaliation.
The data emerged days after Saudi Arabia and the United States conducted airstrikes inside Iraq in response to militia attacks on Saudi territory. “According to Rudaw’s records, 966 one-way attack drones and missiles have been fired at the Kurdistan Region since the war began, killing 32 people and injuring around 150 others,” Rudaw reported. In the 24 hours before publication, five drones struck the region — four in Sulaimani and one in Erbil.
Ahmad al Hamidawi, the U.S.-sanctioned leader of Kataib Hezbollah, rejected calls to disarm the militias. “This calls for us to adhere to the weapon of resistance, not to compromise it, but rather to develop it, enhance its arsenal, and seek to purge our security environment,” Hamidawi said.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi chaired an emergency meeting in response to the escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia. “His Excellency emphasized during the meeting the prevention of any violations or threats emanating from Iraqi territory toward neighboring countries, the formation of a joint security committee to confront challenges, and directed the establishment of deterrent mechanisms to prevent the recurrence of such incidents or any potential breaches,” Iraq’s Prime Minister’s Office said. Baghdad claimed it was ready to “thwart” attacks against neighboring countries.
“Iraq is facing a fresh wave of regional pressure after Saudi Arabia struck sites inside the country and several neighboring states, including Kuwait, Jordan and Syria, warned Baghdad that any attack launched from Iraqi soil against their territory would be met with direct military retaliation against armed factions inside the country,” Iraq’s Shafaq News reported. The militia attacks have expanded beyond the Kurdistan Region to target Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia with drones, missiles, and rockets.
The U.S. military has begun drawing down its last remaining forces stationed near Erbil’s airport, Al-Monitor reported, citing well-placed sources. Patriot air defense systems have already been moved from the site. The Kurdistan Region hosts a large U.S. consulate in Erbil, American forces, and Kurdish Iranian opposition groups — making it a target for both Iran and its proxy network.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi arrived in Iraq for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, which has drawn millions of Shiite pilgrims to holy cities including Karbala, where Zaidi visited during the events. “These ceremonies demonstrate the unity of the Iraqi and Iranian peoples, with participants from both countries constituting the majority,” Aragchi said — a statement that underlined Tehran’s deep entanglement in Iraqi affairs even as Baghdad faces ultimatums from its Arab neighbors over the very militias Iran arms and directs.