Iraqi Militias: 171 US Flights Since Coalition Exit

Iran-backed militias in Iraq reported that 171 US military aircraft entered Iraqi airspace between September 30 and October 23. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for several armed groups, released the count on Friday. The group stated that US fighter jets and reconnaissance planes violated the country's borders during this period. Independent observers have not yet confirmed the specific flight numbers or dates.

The accusations emerged after the US-led anti-ISIS coalition formally concluded its military mission in Iraq on September 30. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has used the coalition's departure to push for greater state control over armed factions. Several powerful militias have rejected this initiative, while others have expressed willingness to cooperate. The disarmament plan is scheduled to take effect by June 30, 2027.

Zaidi stated in an interview with Iraqi state media that the goal is to have no weapons outside the framework of the state by the deadline. He said Iraq will soon be a state free of factions, with weapons exclusively in the hands of Iraqi security forces. The Prime Minister extended the deadline to allow time for negotiations and integration of various groups into the national security structure.

Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba remain opposed to the disarmament measures. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed a willingness to work with government directives. The divide among the militias complicates Zaidi's efforts to centralize military authority in Baghdad.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also criticized the Baghdad government for appeasing Washington. The group expressed dissatisfaction with the reduction of commercial flights and the closure of border crossings with Iran. These moves were made under pressure from the United States to tighten security and control cross-border movements.

The US State Department updated its travel advisory for Iraq on Saturday. The advisory maintained the existing warning against all travel to the country. It cited threats from Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure. The department noted that these hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate region.

The advisory specifically warned of threats from armed groups inside Iraq. It stated that terrorists, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias, conduct attacks against US persons and interests. Potential targets include airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities. The State Department noted that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence.