Tensions Rise in Iraq Following Drone Attack on Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s Residence
Iraqi army patrols continue to operate around Baghdad and at the entrances to the Green Zone. Blame for the drone attack on the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is being directed at forces backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The drone attack on Baghdad’s Green Zone and Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s residence has escalated tensions and clashes between security forces and those backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran in Iraq.
The Associated Press reported on Monday, November 8 (Aban 17) that Iraqi army helicopters have been flying over the city’s airspace.
Additionally, Iraqi army patrol vehicles have been moving through areas surrounding Baghdad and around the Green Zone in the hours following the drone attack on al-Kadhimi’s residence.
The Islamic Republic and the Drone Attack
Following the announcement of parliamentary election results on October 10 and the heavy defeat of Iran-backed forces in Iraq, a new wave of tension began in the country.
While blame for the drone attack on the Iraqi Prime Minister’s residence is being directed at Iran-backed forces, these groups have denied any involvement in the Sunday, November 7 attack.
The spokesman for Kataib Hezbollah, one of the groups that receives financial and military support from the Islamic Republic of Iran, stated that “no force in Iraq would waste a drone to attack the former Iraqi prime minister.”
Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, referred to the attack as a “new sedition” and claimed it was the product of foreign countries’ think tanks. Shamkhani alleged the attack was aimed at creating further instability and tensions in Iraq.
Meanwhile, Hossein Amirabdollahian, the foreign minister of Ibrahim Raisi’s government, holds the United States responsible for the drone attack on al-Kadhimi’s residence.
It should be noted that Baghdad’s Green Zone, which has special security coverage, has been repeatedly targeted by missile and drone attacks by forces backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
After appearing on a television program, al-Kadhimi met and held talks with Barham Salih, the President of Iraq. He subsequently participated in a security meeting as well as a government cabinet session.
Investigations into the drone attack on al-Kadhimi’s residence continue. The United States has expressed willingness to participate in these investigations. Barham Salih has called for accountability of those responsible for the attack.
On the other hand, it is reported that protests by Iran-backed forces in Iraq over the aforementioned parliamentary election results continued on Sunday as well.
On Sunday, November 7, Iran-backed forces participated in demonstrations holding Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and his government responsible for the new wave of violence in the country and demanded a recount of the election votes. During clashes on Friday between security forces and protesters, one person was killed.
Source: DW
