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Iran-Backed Militias Attack US Diplomats in Iraq, US Vows Defense

Iranian-linked militias launched overnight attacks against US diplomatic personnel and facilities in Iraq, according to the US State Department. A spokesperson strongly condemned the "outrageous terrorist attacks" and urged the Iraqi government to halt such strikes, warning the US would defend its personnel if Iraq could not. The attacks follow a reported 19 drone and missile strikes by Iran-backed groups on US bases in the region earlier this month. The incidents occur amid escalating US-Iran tensions and proxy conflicts in Iraq.

Key Points: Iran-Linked Groups Attack US Facilities in Iraq, State Dept Condemns

  • Overnight attacks on US diplomats
  • US condemns "terrorist attacks"
  • Reward for information on attacks
  • 19 prior attacks by Iran-backed groups
  • Iraqi PMF headquarters also targeted
2 min read

Iranian-linked groups attack US diplomats, facilities in Iraq: US State Department

US State Department condemns overnight attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq by Iranian-linked militias, vows to defend personnel amid escalating tensions.

"We will not hesitate to defend our personnel and facilities - US State Department Spokesperson"

Washington DC, April 6

Iranian-linked militias launched two overnight attacks against US diplomats and facilities in Iraq, CNN reported, citing a spokesperson for the US State Department, amid ongoing hostilities between Washington and Tehran.

In a statement, the State Department strongly condemned the "outrageous terrorist attacks" on US diplomatic missions and urged the Government of Iraq to act swiftly to halt such strikes.

"We have consistently urged the Iraqi government to immediately live up to its responsibility to stop attacks on U.S. facilities and to prevent terrorist militias from using Iraqi territory to launch attacks," the spokesperson said as reported by CNN.

The official emphasised that the United States "will not hesitate to defend our personnel and facilities should the Iraqi government be unable to fulfil its obligations."

The spokesperson did not provide specific details on the locations of the latest attacks, CNN reported.

According to previous CNN reports, the US Embassy in Baghdad, the US Consulate General in Erbil and the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Centre have been repeatedly targeted since the onset of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Last week, the US State Department announced a reward of up to USD 3 million for information related to attacks on its diplomatic facilities in Iraq.

Earlier, the Islamic Resistance, an umbrella body of Iran-backed militia, has carried out 19 drone and missile attacks targeting the United States' bases in Iraq and in the region on April 3, Al Jazeera reported.

The Iran-backed militia has been attacking US bases in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Meanwhile, an Iraqi police source told Al Jazeera that there's been an attack against the Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF)'s headquarters in al-Qaim in western Iraq. An air raid was also reported on the headquarters of the 34th Brigade of the PMF in Mosul.

Shia military factions The Islamic Resistance and the PMF, have been part of several proxy wars in the region.

This comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside increasingly sharp rhetoric from both sides.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the attacks are condemnable, the US statement feels a bit rich. They are asking Iraq to "fulfil its obligations" while their own military presence there is a major point of contention. The cycle of attack and counter-attack helps no one. 😔
A
Aman W
Proxy wars are the worst. Poor Iraq is caught in the middle again. We've seen this movie before. India must continue its balanced diplomacy, maintaining ties with all sides while clearly advocating for peace. Our Chabahar port project with Iran is too crucial for regional connectivity to be derailed.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi. The $3 million reward shows how desperate the situation is. But will it work? The root cause is the geopolitical standoff. Until that is addressed, these militias will keep finding reasons to strike.
V
Vikram M
The report mentions attacks on PMF headquarters too. So it's tit-for-tat. This is exactly why foreign military interventions create long-term chaos. India's approach of strategic autonomy and focusing on development partnerships looks wiser every day. Jai Hind!
K
Kriti O
My heart goes out to the ordinary Iraqi people. They just want peace and stability. These conflicts, fueled by external powers, destroy lives and economies. Hope diplomacy prevails before it spirals further out of control. 🙏

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