US and coalition forces remain vital in Iraq as ISIS resurgence threatens stability. Despite efforts to control the situation, the region faces increasing tensions and potential conflict
Anthony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, had a phone conversation with Mohammad Shia’ al-Sudani, the Prime Minister of Iraq, discussing the recent developments in the region and the importance of focusing on peace, stability, and preventing escalation in the current situation in Middle East.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, al-Sudani informed the U.S. Secretary of State that controlling the current situation and minimizing tensions depend on restraining Israeli actions in Gaza and limiting the Israeli government’s interventions in regional countries, as well as ending the hostilities of state and international law violations.
At the same time, the U.S. Secretary of State requested that the U.S. continue to support Iraq in managing the regional situation and controlling further escalation from various sides, emphasizing Iraq’s ongoing efforts to support stability and peace in the region.
Fouad Hussein, Iraq’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated: “Most of Iraq’s troubles stem from warfare. Therefore, we oppose all forms of conflict.” He added that the conflicts in Eastern Middle East are escalating towards further warfare.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister stated: “If war breaks out in the region, it means that peace and security in the area will be jeopardized, which will impact global stability.” He noted: “The region is highly volatile and under threat.”
He emphasized that everyone is working to prevent the outbreak of war because Iraq’s security is tied to regional security. He mentioned that the government has repeatedly made efforts to avoid war, and that the region needs coordinated efforts to prevent conflict, noting that if war occurs, many countries will be affected.
Asir Shar, a political analyst, stated that American forces, based on formal requests from the Iraqi government, are present in Iraq amid a very challenging security situation.
The analyst emphasized that political and security stability must be established in Iraq, and the presence of American and allied forces should be discussed.
He added that most of the group’s members and their resistance in Iraq are intertwined with political actions, often involving newly identified representatives in the Iraqi parliament.
The most recent attack on American forces and allies at the Ayn al-Assad base in Anbar province resulted in the injury of five soldiers, with the U.S. continuously responding based on their assessments of timing and location. They have called on the Iraqi government to address the group’s activities.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, stated at a press conference: “Iraq must prevent attacks on American troops in the country and conduct investigations with those responsible.”
The U.S. Department of State spokesperson noted, “We have been in discussions with the Iraqi government, which has indicated that investigations are underway, and several suspects with links to the attacks have been apprehended. This is a necessary and appropriate measure.”
Yahya Rasul, the Spokesperson for the General Command of Iraqi Special Forces, announced: ” The coordination with international partners has reached a new phase, involving adjustments and transfers of roles and responsibilities for future operations. There is a security and military arrangement with the U.S., and discussions are held within that framework with Washington.”
He added, “As long as they succeed in establishing boundaries for attacks on American forces and diplomatic missions in Iraq,” and stated that the Iraqi government’s response to the recent attack on Hashd al-Shaabi in Jurf and Al-Sakhr has been transparent and clear regarding what happened.
From November 17 of the previous year to the end of February this year, more than 150 attacks have occurred in Iraq and Syria against American forces, followed by an attack on an American military base in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and injuries to others. This has brought to light the heightened threat posed by ISIS. Under President Biden’s command, American forces have targeted 85 ISIS members in Iraq and Syria.
The fear of ISIS operatives moving from Syria into Iraq, following the release of 1,500 members of the group by Syrian Democratic Forces, indicates an increase in their activities in Iraq, especially among those released in Iraq. They might find ways to return to Iraqi soil and potentially confront its borders with Syria. International watchdogs warn of heightened ISIS activities, particularly in Iraq.
Moreover, political analysts point out that the release of ISIS members causes unrest in the region. In 2024, attacks by the group in northeastern Syria increased by 250% compared to 2023, with 473 attacks reported. Similarly, in Iraq, significant numbers of ISIS attacks have occurred, stressing the need to address the rising threat posed by ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
Fazil Aburaghif, a security expert, stated that ISIS creates artificial fear but will never return to its previous strength and initial capabilities.
The security expert pointed out that ISIS can still manage to regroup in various ways, particularly since one ISIS member has reached a point where they can show themselves as a young family amidst their supporters.
International watchdogs have raised concerns about the increased activity and resources of ISIS across several regions including Africa, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, which has led to a rise in attacks and civilian casualties.
Aburaghif discussed that ISIS exists in Iraq in two regions, namely the north and the east, with the north being particularly concentrated between Salahaddin and Kirkuk, though there are not many of them. Despite this, there is still concern that they could create fear in the future.
On August 9, 2024, in the Qara Dagh region of Sulaymaniyah province, a confrontation occurred between a group of terrorists and security forces. As a result, two members of the security forces were killed, and ISIS members were responsible.
On August 10, 2024, Sheikh Jafar Sheikh Mustafa, the Deputy President of the Kurdistan Region, discussed the incident in a press conference, noting that “Before the incident, the ISIS members were engaged in digging tunnels and creating fortifications; they had facilities and equipment. Later, those facilities were seized by the security forces.”
Sheikh Mustafa stated, “Qara Dagh is a significant, harsh, and inaccessible location. It has neither a residence nor a person living there. ISIS terrorists utilized this security gap to create and use a tunnel for their base of operations, but the security forces were aware and eventually confronted them.”
The Kurdish Globe