Militias Count 171 US Air Incursions Since Coalition Exit

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for Iran-backed militias, reported that 171 American military aircraft violated Iraqi airspace between September 30 and Friday. The group stated that fighter jets and reconnaissance planes crossed borders without permission. Independent observers have not yet verified these specific flight records.

The accusations follow the formal end of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition mission in Iraq on September 30. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is using the transition period to integrate militia weapons into state control. The disarmament plan is scheduled to take full effect by June 30, 2027. Zaidi told Iraqi state media that no weapons should remain outside the state framework by that date.

Militia factions remain divided on the new policy. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba continue to oppose the disarmament measures. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq criticized Baghdad for appeasing Washington, citing reduced commercial flights and closed border crossings with Iran as evidence of US pressure.

US officials have simultaneously raised the security threat level in the region. The State Department updated its travel advisory on Saturday, warning of increased attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis. The advisory maintained a recommendation against all travel to Iraq. It noted that hostilities involving the Houthis could escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area.

The department specifically flagged 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 advisory warned that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence.

Separate intelligence reports indicate heightened regional tensions. A memorandum dated Friday from National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iranian efforts to assassinate American diplomats had reached advanced stages. US intelligence officials cited this warning as they reduce staffing at several embassies. The move coincides with reports of Washington reducing its diplomatic footprint amid fears of escalation.

In Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced an operation targeting a gathering center for the Kurdistan Free Life Party. The attack occurred in Iranian territory but may affect Iraq, where Tehran has previously targeted Kurdish opposition groups. Clashes between the IRGC and the party's armed wing, the Eastern Kurdistan Units, have intensified over the last week. Iran's Mehr News Agency described the latest action as a preemptive strike against members preparing attacks.

Prime Minister Zaidi maintained his stance on Friday that Iraq will become a state free of external factions. He declared that weapons will be exclusively in the hands of Iraqi security forces. This goal remains contested by the very militias now tracking American air activity over their country.