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After ISIS Campaign, Iran-Backed Fighters in Iraq Vow to Drive Out U.S. Troops

(Fox News) Hollie McKay - Some in the ranks of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) militia in Iraq may be training their sights on the U.S.-led coalition troops in the country. "America should only be here for embassy, any military presence and we will target them," said Saif Ali, 37, a member of the PMF's Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba militia. Mohand al-Eqqaby, the PMF spokesman, said, "We are strong now, and as long as we are fighting, Iraq does not need Americans on our land." Hashim al-Maihi, 44, a leader in the "League of the Righteous People" battalion in the PMF, said, "Our goal is...to fight in Syria and al-Quds (Arabic for Jerusalem)...[and] my dream is not to see Americans in Iraq." "Now that ISIS is not much of a threat, the PMF is likely to plan attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq that would be carried out as soon as Tehran gives the orders," said James Phillips, senior research fellow for Middle Eastern affairs at the Heritage Foundation. But an American coalition spokesperson said, "There are certain factions within the PMF that may cause concern, but the PMF as a whole is not considered a threat to coalition forces."
2017-12-26 00:00:00
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