Iraq warns of escalating regional crisis amidst Gaza truce
Farhad Aladdin, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs, highlighted the potential for a broader regional conflict if the ongoing four-day truce between Hamas and Israel is not extended.
Negotiations to prolong the ceasefire are underway, with concerns about the involvement of Iran-aligned militias, including Lebanese Hezbollah and various Iraqi factions.
Since the initiation of the truce, there has been a notable reduction in reported assaults on US troops in Iraq or Syria, contrasting with the previous weeks’ frequency.
Armed groups have expressed their commitment to respecting the Gaza truce but issued warnings of resuming attacks if the truce is breached.
Aladdin emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the expanding regional battle and its potential consequences. The statement follows airstrikes on Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) sites in Babylon governorate, resulting in eight casualties. US Central Command forces conducted precise strikes in response to attacks on American and coalition forces by Iran-supported groups.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh revealed that US forces in Syria and Iraq have faced 55 attacks since October 17, with 27 in Iraq and 28 in Syria. These attacks have led to injuries for 59 US personnel.
The surge in attacks is linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, initiated by a cross-border attack from Gaza on October 7, prompting swift US military support for Israel’s subsequent assault on Gaza.
