Iraqi Forces on High Alert Amid Fears of Militia Attacks on U.S., Saudi Interests
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered military and security forces to raise their security and combat readiness in response to growing concerns over possible attacks by militia factions affiliated with the so-called "Resistance Front."
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi security forces have been placed on high alert following intelligence indicating that Iran-backed militia groups may launch retaliatory attacks against U.S. and Saudi interests, according to a source within Iraq's Joint Operations Command.
The source told Kurdistan24 that Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali al-Zaidi ordered military and security forces to raise their security and combat readiness in response to growing concerns over possible attacks by militia factions affiliated with the so-called "Resistance Front."
According to the source, intelligence assessments suggest the groups are planning retaliatory operations following last week's strikes on the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and Resistance Front positions. The militias had previously declared they would respond to the attacks after the conclusion of the Arba'in commemorations for Imam Hussein, prompting authorities to place security forces on full alert across Iraq.
Kurdistan24 correspondent Dilan Barzan reported from Baghdad that the heightened security measures followed a meeting of Iraq's State Administration Coalition on Tuesday night.
During the meeting, participants stressed the need to bring weapons held by militia groups under state control and complete the process by Sept. 30. The decision reportedly angered Resistance Front factions, with some rejecting the government's demand to surrender their weapons.
Earlier, Iraq's Security Media Cell announced that, under the prime minister's directive, the armed forces had increased their combat readiness. The statement said field exercises and troop movements were underway to strengthen operational capabilities, preserve security and stability, and safeguard citizens and public interests against any unexpected developments.
The security alert came as Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Wednesday to discuss recent regional developments.
The two ministers reaffirmed the strength of Iraq-Saudi relations and underscored the importance of supporting measures that protect Iraq's interests while strengthening cooperation with Arab and Islamic countries.
They also stressed that Iraqi territory and resources must not be used as a launchpad for attacks against neighboring countries, emphasizing that such efforts are essential for promoting regional security and stability.
The heightened tensions follow a joint U.S.-Saudi strike on July 29 targeting PMF bases, which reportedly killed 20 fighters and wounded 32 others. The operation further strained relations between Baghdad and Riyadh and led to the postponement of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's planned visit to Saudi Arabia. Intelligence officials now fear that armed factions could seek retaliation by targeting U.S. or Saudi interests, raising concerns over a new escalation in Iraq's security situation.