US Jets Flew 171 Times Into Iraq, Militias Say

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have accused the United States of breaching national airspace 171 times since September 30. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for several armed factions, released the findings on Friday. The group stated that US fighter jets and reconnaissance planes crossed the border repeatedly during that period. The allegations have not been independently verified by other observers.

The accusations landed as the US-led anti-ISIS coalition formally concluded its military mission in Iraq on September 30. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is using this transition to push for greater state control over militia weapons. However, the plan faces resistance from powerful armed groups. The government aims to have all weapons under state command by June 30, 2027.

Zaidi stated in an interview with Iraqi state media that the goal is for Iraq to be a state free of factions. He said, 'Iraq will soon, God willing, be a state free of factions, like other countries in the world, and weapons will be exclusively in the hands of the Iraqi security forces.' The militia groups argue that Baghdad is appeasing Washington to secure economic and political support.

The dispute over disarmament has split the armed factions. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba remain opposed to handing over their weapons. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate with the government's measures. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also criticized Baghdad for reducing commercial flights and closing border crossings with Iran.

Tensions are rising as the US State Department warns of growing regional threats. On Saturday, the US Embassy in Iraq updated its travel advisory. The document cited increased attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis against Saudi Arabia. The State Department noted that Houthi strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure could lead to wider regional escalation. It warned that hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area.

The advisory maintained the existing warning against all travel to Iraq. It noted that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence. The State Department specifically highlighted threats from armed groups inside Iraq. It stated that terrorists, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias, encourage and conduct attacks against US persons and interests.

Potential targets for these groups include airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities. The warning also cited attacks involving drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices. Washington is reducing staffing at several embassies amid concerns about regional escalation. A memorandum dated Friday from US National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that some alleged Iranian plots to assassinate American diplomats had reached advanced stages.

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Saturday that it targeted a gathering center belonging to the Kurdistan Free Life Party. The attack took place in Iran but could affect stability in Iraq. Clashes between the IRGC and the party's armed wing have intensified over the last week. Iran used drones and artillery against mountainous areas where the Kurdish fighters operate.