Iraqi Militias Count 171 US Aircraft Since Coalition Exit

Iran-backed militias in Iraq say US military aircraft have entered Iraqi airspace 171 times since the international coalition ended its mission.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for several Iran-aligned groups, released the count on Friday. The period covered spans from September 30, when the US-led anti-ISIS coalition formally withdrew, through the end of last week. The group stated that the flights included fighter jets and reconnaissance planes. Independent verification of the 171-entry count is pending.

Tensions between Baghdad and these militias have risen as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi attempts to bring private weapons under state control. Zaidi extended the deadline for this process to June 30, 2027. In an interview with Iraqi state media, he said, "no weapons will remain outside the framework of the state." He added that Iraq aims to become a state where weapons are exclusively in the hands of security forces.

The militia coalition criticized the government for yielding to Washington. They argued that Baghdad is reducing commercial flights and closing border crossings with Iran under US pressure. The group maintains that its armed forces remain necessary to confront threats from the United States and Israel. Several factions have rejected the disarmament plan, though some have signaled cooperation.

According to reports, Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba oppose the initiative. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada expressed willingness to work with the government on these measures.

The US State Department issued an updated travel advisory on Saturday, citing increased regional threats. The warning noted that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports, could lead to wider escalation. The advisory stated that hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area. It also noted that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence.

The advisory specifically named armed groups inside Iraq as threats. 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 department warned that militias use drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices.

US intelligence has also flagged a rise in Iranian efforts to target American diplomats. A memorandum dated Friday from National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that some plots have reached advanced stages. Washington is reducing staffing at several embassies in response to these concerns.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted a gathering center for the Kurdistan Free Life Party, a Kurdish opposition group, in Iran. Clashes between the IRGC and the group's armed wing have intensified over the last week. Iran used drones and artillery in the strikes, which may have implications for security in neighboring Iraq.

Zaidi continues to insist his government will end the presence of armed factions operating outside state control. The current standoff places the disarmament timeline and US air activity at the center of Iraq's security calculations.