Kataeb Hezbollah declares temporary ceasefire in attacks on US forces in Iraq
Kataeb Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian group in Iraq, announced its decision to temporarily suspend military and security operations against US occupation forces. The group made this announcement via its website, stating that the move aims to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government.
This decision comes in the aftermath of a drone attack on a remote Jordanian desert border base, resulting in the tragic death of three US soldiers. The United States attributed the attack to “radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.” Washington had previously warned of a “very consequential” response to the incident.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated, marking the first American military deaths in an attack since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. President Joe Biden’s administration has emphasized its reluctance to engage in war with Iran, emphasizing a desire for a diplomatic resolution.
Kataeb Hezbollah addressed concerns from allies in the axis of resistance, particularly in the Islamic Republic, emphasizing that others might not fully comprehend the group’s strategies in its jihad against the American occupation forces in Iraq and Syria.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh pointed to Kataeb Hezbollah’s involvement, stating that the drone strike in Jordan bore the “footprints” of the group. The United States has previously designated Kataeb Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and held them responsible for various acts of violence.
Since mid-October, US and coalition troops have faced numerous attacks, with the majority claimed by the loosely aligned “Islamic Resistance in Iraq.” This alliance, consisting of pro-Iran fighters, advocates for the withdrawal of approximately 2,500 US troops in Iraq as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition.
Kataeb Hezbollah, while announcing the suspension of operations, urged its fighters to adopt passive defense measures temporarily in the event of any hostile actions by the United States. The situation adds complexity to the already strained relations between Washington and Tehran, setting the stage for diplomatic maneuvering in the coming days.