(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Yoni Ben Menachem - New Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi ordered an Iraqi counterterrorism unit on June 25 to raid a "Hizbullah Brigades" compound in Baghdad where an Iranian rocket expert and 14 militia operatives were arrested. The militia is responsible for rocket attacks against the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and U.S. troops stationed at Iraqi military bases. The compound contained a workshop for manufacturing Katyusha rockets and contained rockets ready for operation. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on June 27 that among the detainees was Khaider Samatyah, who is wanted for the murder of dozens of Iraqi protesters. Immediately after the raid, dozens of armed militiamen in 20 vehicles laid siege to an Iraqi counterterrorism building in Baghdad, a sign that the pro-Iranian militias control Iraqi streets more than the government. Pro-Iranian forces are mobilizing against Kadhimi and the battle between them is just beginning.
2020-06-30 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive