Iran-backed Militia Leaders In Iraq Demand Withdrawal Of US Troops

The Secretary-General of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia in Iraq, has once again strongly criticized the presence of US combat forces in the country.

In a televised statement, Qais al-Khazali said the Iraqi government is not legally authorized to approve the establishment of foreign bases in the country.

Al-Khazali emphasized that any government granting such approval should be held accountable for violating the Iraqi constitution.

On the heels of his statement, Akram Al-Kaabi, Secretary-General of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN) in Iraq and another Iran-backed group, echoed the sentiments and went a step further by calling for a "declaration of war" against the United States and its expulsion from Iraq. Al-Kaabi asserted that any form of American presence, whether as combat forces, advisors, or technicians, is considered hostile and unacceptable.

The remarks come in response to recent US airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed militants in Iraq, including a strike in Jurf al Saqr that resulted in casualties. US officials confirmed the strikes as a direct response to attacks against US and Coalition forces by Iran and its proxies.

The United States had until earlier this week limited its response to more than 60 attacks against its forces in Iraq and neighboring Syria, claimed by Iran-aligned Iraqi militia groups, to three separate sets of strikes in Syria.

At least 62 US personnel have suffered minor injuries or traumatic brain injuries in the attacks.

Republicans and others criticized the Biden administration for its lack of determination to respond more forcefully against Iranian proxies.