ZCZC
BFF-44
IRAQ-IRAN-US-UNREST-HASHED
Iraq pro-Iran factions ramp up threats to US after Iran missiles
BAGHDAD, Jan 8, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – A top commander in Iraq’s Hashed al-
Shaabi paramilitary network said Wednesday it was time for an “Iraqi
response” to a US drone strike that killed the network’s deputy chief.
“That response will be no less than the size of the Iranian response. That
is a promise,” Qais al-Khazali, a hardline Hashed commander, threatened in a
tweet.
Iran launched missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops early Wednesday in
retaliation for last week’s US drone strike that killed senior Iranian
commander Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
The Hashed had already vowed it would retaliate but ramped up its threats
after Tehran’s missile strikes.
Harakat al-Nujaba, a hardline faction within the network, thanked Iran for
its attack.
“To American soldiers: Do not close your eyes. Revenge for the martyr
Muhandis is coming at the hands of Iraqis — until the last soldier among you
leaves,” it said.
On Tuesday, Nujaba head Akram al-Kaabi said pro-Iran groups had further
unified their ranks to respond to the US.
“The International Resistance Regiments have been formed in order to
execute a harsh, deliberate response to the American terrorist forces,” Kaabi
said.
His deputy had earlier called for an urgent meeting to unite anti-American
forces across Iraq. “We will wage a war against the American presence in all
parts of the region that we can reach,” said Nasr al-Shammary.
BSS/AFP/ARS/1740 hrs