Islamic Resistance in Iraq

• Kata'ib Hezbollah{{cite web|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-18-2023|access-date=12 November 2023|date=18 October 2023|title=Iran Update, October 18, 2023|website=Institute for the Study of War}}
• Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba{{cite web|url=https://www.newarab.com/news/who-islamic-resistance-iraq|title=Who is the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, the mysterious group attacking US and Israeli targets over Gaza?|work=The New Arab|author1=Dana Taib Menmy|author2=Oliver Mizzi|date=8 November 2023}}{{Cite news |date=2 February 2024 |title=Harakat al-Nujaba vows to continue attacks despite US retaliation warnings |url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/020220241 |work=Rudaw}}
• Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq{{cite web|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-november-3-2023|publisher=Institute for the Study of War|access-date=12 November 2023|date=3 November 2023|title=Iran Update, November 3, 2023}}
• Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada
• Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya{{Cite web |title=Terrorist Designation of Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya |url=https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designation-of-harakat-ansar-allah-al-awfiya-2/ |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}
• al-Thawriyyun group{{Cite web |date=26 July 2024 |title=IRAN UPDATE, JULY 26, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-july-26-2024 |website=ISW Press}}
• Kataib Sarkhat al-Quds

The IRI's arsenal composes of cruise missiles, kamikaze drones and rockets of Iranian origin. These include:

• al-Arqab – a long-range surface-to-surface cruise missile, with a range of {{cvt|1650|km}}{{Cite web |title=Islamic Resistance in Iraq and Sabereen Highlight Anti-Israel Cruise Missile Strikes {{!}} The Washington Institute |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/islamic-resistance-iraq-and-sabereen-highlight-anti-israel-cruise-missile-strikes |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=www.washingtoninstitute.org |language=en}}
• Shahed 101 – A loitering munition, with a range of {{cvt|900|km}}{{Cite web |title=DIA releases updated report on Russia’s use of lethal Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UA |url=https://www.dia.mil/News-Features/Articles/Article-View/Article/3504948/dia-releases-updated-report-on-russias-use-of-lethal-iranian-unmanned-aerial-ve/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=Defense Intelligence Agency |language=en-US}}
• Shahed 131 – A loitering munition, with a range of {{cvt|900|km}}. It is the smaller counterpart of the Shahed 136.{{Cite news |last=Ari |first=Lior Ben |date=2024-05-15 |title=Terrorists in Iraq claim to launch Shahad 131 UAV toward Israel |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syoqn3b7r |access-date=2024-10-24 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}
• Shahed 136 – A loitering munition, with a range of {{cvt|2500|km}}. This has not been used and only claimed possession.

{{main|Attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria (2023–present)}}

On 18 October 2023, amid the Gaza war, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq began waves of attacks on U.S. bases in both Iraq and Syria, beginning with the launching of a drone strike on al-Asad Airbase which was intercepted.{{cite web |last1=Sewell |first1=Abby |last2=Copp |first2=Tara |last3=Abdul-Zahra |first3=Qassim |title=Drone attack on base hosting US troops intercepted in Iraq, heightening fears of a broader conflict |url=https://apnews.com/article/iraq-militias-iran-us-base-attack-drone-hamas-israel-war-80f6739c3ab34662afba316285914e39 |publisher=AP News |access-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018192005/https://apnews.com/article/iraq-militias-iran-us-base-attack-drone-hamas-israel-war-80f6739c3ab34662afba316285914e39 |archive-date=18 October 2023 |location=Beirut, Lebanon |language=English |date=18 October 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title=Drone attack on US forces intercepted in Iraq – report |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-768924 |access-date=18 October 2023 |website=The Jerusalem Post|language=en-US |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018192142/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-768924 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|last1=Stewart|first1=Phil|last2=Ismail|first2=Amina |last3=Rasheed |first3=Ahmed |last4=Stewart |first4=Phil |date=18 October 2023 |title=US says it thwarted drone attacks on troops in Iraq|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-says-thwarts-drone-attack-its-troops-iraq-2023-10-18/ |url-status=live |access-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018200146/https://www.reuters.com/world/us-says-thwarts-drone-attack-its-troops-iraq-2023-10-18/ |archive-date=18 October 2023}}

On 24 October 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for multiple drone strikes on US bases in eastern Syria, notably al-Omar oil field in Deir ez-Zor Governorate and al-Shaddadi in the Al-Hasakah Governorate.{{Cite web |last=AP |title=Iran-backed groups claim fresh attacks on US bases in Syria |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/iran-backed-groups-claim-fresh-attacks-on-us-bases-in-syria/ |access-date=6 November 2023|website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US}}

On 5 November 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq issued a warning ahead of Antony Blinken's visit to Baghdad, saying "Antony Blinken, the son of a Jew, is not welcome in Iraq." As a result of the threats, Blinken wore a bulletproof vest when landing in Baghdad International Airport.{{citation needed|date=February 2024|reason=Removed unreliable source}}

On 9 November 2023, US forces were struck three separate times in 24 hours, including drone strikes in Al-Asad Airbase and Al-Harir Air Base, as well as an IED attack on a patrol near the Mosul Dam.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/drone-explosive-attacks-target-us-forces-across-iraq-sources-2023-11-09/|title=Drone, explosive attacks target US forces across Iraq|work=Reuters|date=9 November 2023|access-date=10 November 2023}}

On 20 November 2023, eight US and coalition soldiers were injured from a ballistic missile attack, and there was minor infrastructural damage after the air base was attacked by a ballistic missile.{{Cite web|date=22 November 2023|title=Several U.S. service members injured in missile attack at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, Pentagon says - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-service-members-injured-missile-attack-al-asad-airbase-iraq/|access-date=22 November 2023|website=CBS News |language=en-US}}

On 25 December 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the base which injured three US soldiers, one being critical.{{Cite web |date=25 December 2023 |title=New drone attack targets US troops in Iraq|url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231225-new-drone-attack-targets-us-troops-in-iraq |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=France 24 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Phil |date=26 December 2023|title=US retaliates in Iraq after three US troops wounded in attack |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/three-us-troops-wounded-attack-iraq-us-retaliates-2023-12-26/ |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=reuters.com}}

On 18 January 2024, the Islamic Resistance of Iraq claimed it shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone after it took off from Kuwait near Muqdadiyah, Diyala Governorate.{{Cite web |last=AFP |date=January 20, 2024 |title=US says probing cause of drone crash in Iraq after Iran-backed militias claim to down UAV |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/us-says-probing-cause-of-drone-crash-in-iraq-after-iran-backed-militias-claim-to-down-uav/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=timesofisrael.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/super-hornets-hit-houthi-missiles-prior-to-launch-in-yemen|title=Red Sea Ship Attacks Continue After Super Hornets Strike Missiles|work=The War Zone|publisher=The Drive|date=18 January 2024}}

On 20 January 2024, the group claimed a missile attack on the Ain Al-Asad Air Base in Al Anbar Govenorate, injuring two US personnel and one Iraqi personnel.[https://www.reuters.com/world/us-personnel-suffer-minor-injuries-iraq-base-attack-us-official-2024-01-20/ US personnel suffer minor injuries in Iraq base attack: U.S. official], Reutershttps://x.com/irandefense/status/1727839209308787065?s=46&t=UYh7e8DMIsUga4DLC5QNmA

On 28 January 2024, the IRI launched a drone attack on the Tower 22 US military outpost in Rukban, Jordan, killing 3 US soldiers and injuring 47 others.{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Alex |last2=Ryan |first2=Missy |last3=Warrick |first3=Joby |last4=Lamothe |first4=Dan |title=U.S. mixed up enemy, friendly drones in attack that killed 3 troops |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/29/jordan-drone-attack-us-confusion/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=29 January 2024}}

On 4 February 2024, a drone struck a training ground in Al-Omar field in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, which houses US troops, according to the Syrian Democratic Forces. Though no casualties were reported among US forces, at least seven Kurdish fighters were killed and 18 injured. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=At least 6 Kurdish fighters are killed in a drone attack on a Syrian base housing US troops |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/6-kurdish-fighters-killed-drone-attack-syrian-base-106950009 |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=ABC News |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2024-02-05 |title=7 Kurdish-led fighters killed in attack on US base in Syria: monitor |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/7-kurdish-led-fighters-killed-in-attack-on-us-base-in-syria-monitor/articleshow/107430185.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-02-05 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}} The SDF condemned the attack, and said it had "every right to respond".{{Cite web |title=7 Kurdish-led Fighters Killed In Attack On US Base In Syria: Monitor |url=https://www.barrons.com/articles/five-kurdish-led-fighters-killed-in-drone-attack-on-us-base-in-syria-monitor-b568499a |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Barron's |language=en-US}}

On 1 April 2024, Abu Ali al-Askari, security chief of Kata'ib Hezbollah, said the organisation was prepared to arm the Islamic Resistance in Jordan. He declared that Kata'ib Hezbollah is ready to provide "12,000 fighters with light and medium weapons, anti-armor launchers, tactical missiles, millions of rounds of ammunition, and tons of explosives" to "defend the Palestinians and avenge the honour of Muslims." On the same day, al-Tanf garrison in Syria was attacked by a one-way attack drone which was intercepted.{{Cite web |title=New Options for Iraq's Axis of Resistance Players (Part 2): Opening the Jordan Front {{!}} The Washington Institute |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/new-options-iraqs-axis-resistance-players-part-2-opening-jordan-front |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=www.washingtoninstitute.org |language=en}} Shortly after this announcement, a Jordanian militant attacked an IDF patrol vehicle near the Jordanian-Israeli border and fled. This was the first instance of an attack from Jordan on Israel since the beginning of the war.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-06 |title=Gunman From Jordan Rains Bullets At Israeli Army Patrol After Hamas Call |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/world-news/gunman-from-jordan-rains-bullets-at-israeli-army-patrol-after-hamas-call-101712373952135.html |access-date=2024-04-06 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}

{{main |Gaza war#Iraq}}

Since November 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks against targets within Israel in retaliation for Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The group stated it would continue to "strike enemy strongholds."

In late January, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced it had entered its second phase of operations which included blockading the Mediterranean maritime routes to Israeli ports and disabling the ports.{{Cite web |last=Monks |first=Kieron |date=2024-01-25 |title=Iraqi militias claim drone strike on Israel's biggest port as attacks ramp up |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/world/iraqi-drone-strike-israel-port-2872944 |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=inews.co.uk |language=en}}

In November 2024, US officials confirmed that US and partner forces had intercepted Iraqi kamikaze drones launched against Israel. By late October, the ISI had launched drones on an average of around five times a day. In one 24-hour period in October, the ISI launched eight drones at Israel.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-01 |title=Middle East latest: Israel kills 52 in northeast Lebanon after a night of strikes in Beirut |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hezbollah-mideast-latest-1-november-2024-6ea222bd6dbe87123934833e92626aeb |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=AP News |language=en}}

Shortly after, Israeli news outlets reported that Israel may target the IRI for its campaign against Israel during its wars on Gaza and on Lebanon. Unnamed officials allegedly told outlets that satellites monitored the transfer of ballistic missiles and related equipment from Iran to Iraqi territory.{{Cite web |date=3 November 2024 |title=Report: Israel warns Baghdad it may target Iran-backed militia; Tehran attempting to transfer missiles to Iraq |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/report-israel-warns-baghdad-it-may-target-iran-backed-militia-tehran-attempting-to-transfer-missiles-to-iraq/ |website=timesofisrael.com}}

{{main |Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–present)}}

On 9 January 2024, the Kata'ib Hezbollah spokesperson Jafar al-Husseini warned that the Islamic Resistance in Iraq would help Hezbollah fight Israel if war erupted between the two sides.{{Cite web |last=Comms |first=I. S. W. |title=Iran Update, January 9, 2024 |url=https://www.iswresearch.org/2024/01/iran-update-january-9-2024.html |access-date=2024-01-10}} This statement came a few weeks after the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a Karish rig which Lebanon claims to hold sovereignty over.{{Cite web |date=22 December 2023 |title=Iran-backed militias in Iraq claim to have targeted Israeli gas rig in Mediterranean |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/iran-backed-militias-in-iraq-claim-to-have-targeted-israeli-gas-rig-in-mediterranean/ |access-date=22 December 2023 |website=The Times of Israel |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222194904/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/iran-backed-militias-in-iraq-claim-to-have-targeted-israeli-gas-rig-in-mediterranean/ |url-status=live }} In June 2024, many Iraqi officials within the IRI network vowed to support Hezbollah with soldiers if the conflict with Israel escalated into an all-out war.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-23 |title=Thousands of Iran-backed fighters offer to join Hezbollah in its fight against Israel |url=https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-iraq-syria-hezbollah-fighters-iran-1e3359917f252862f4ed3d4b3df1d43e |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=AP News |language=en}}

On 24 June 2024, Qais al-Khazali, the leader of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, stated in a televised speech that if the US continued to support Israel in expanding the war to Lebanon and Hezbollah, the group would begin to attack US interests in Iraq and the Middle East.{{Cite web |title=Iraqi militia leader threatens attack on U.S. interests-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/20240625/f9a3ea7258a74a3b93241b35e77e7e5d/c.html |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=english.news.cn}}

{{main |2024 Iran–Israel conflict}}

In Iran's missile and drone strikes against Israel, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq had contributed to the attacks on Israel, alongside Iran, the Yemeni Houthis, and an unidentified faction in Syria. This was by their launch of drones and missiles at targets in Israel.{{cite news |title=حمله چهاروجهی و پیچیده ایران به اسرائیل – تسنیم |url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1403/01/26/3067881 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414003254/https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1403/01/26/3067881/%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D9%87-%DA%86%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%87%DB%8C-%D9%88-%D9%BE%DB%8C%DA%86%DB%8C%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%DB%8C%D9%84 |archive-date=14 April 2024 |access-date=14 April 2024 |work=خبرگزاری تسنیم {{!}} Tasnim |language=fa}}{{cite web |title=Statement from President Joe Biden on Iran's Attacks against the State of Israel |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/13/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-irans-attacks-against-the-state-of-israel/ |access-date=14 April 2024 |website=White House |date=14 April 2024 |publisher=White House}}{{cite web |last=Lilleholm |first=Lucas |date=23 November 2023 |title=US warship shoots down attack drones over the Red Sea |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/22/politics/us-warship-attack-drones-red-sea/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=13 April 2024 |archive-date=13 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413123527/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/22/politics/us-warship-attack-drones-red-sea/index.html |url-status=live }} The United States, United Kingdom, and Jordan intercepted many of the drones but many did hit various locations within Israel and the occupied Golan Heights.{{cite web |title=Jordan's air defence ready to shoot down any Iranian aircraft that violate its airspace |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordans-air-defence-ready-shoot-down-any-iranian-aircraft-that-violate-its-2024-04-13/ |website=reuters.com |publisher=Reuters |access-date=13 April 2024}}{{cite web |title=Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel |url=https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-04-13-24/index.html |access-date=13 April 2024 |website=cnn.com |date=13 April 2024 |publisher=CNN}}

In response to alleged Israeli bombardment of Popular Mobilization Forces bases in Iraq, which killed a soldier and injured several others, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed a drone attack targeting Eilat.{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=http://dev-isw.bivings.com/ |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325065358/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-24 |url-status=dead }}

{{main |United States–Houthi conflict (2023–present)}}

On 11 January 2024, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said that if Yemen is attacked by the US and UK, "we will attack the Americans' base with everything in our power".{{Cite web |date=2024-01-12 |title=Iran-backed militias in Iraq: if Yemen is attacked, we will hit US base |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-781875 |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}} After the initial US-UK airstrikes on Yemen, there were reports of a bomb and sirens being heard at the US Embassy in Iraq.{{Cite web |date=12 January 2024 |title=Israel-Hamas War: What happened on day 97? |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/2024-01-11/live-updates-781693 |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en-US |archive-date=11 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111205254/https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/2024-01-11/live-updates-781693 |url-status=live }} In the same month, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq launched a drone attack on a US base in Jordan, killing three US soldiers and injuring 47 others.

{{main |Attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria (2023–present)#U.S._response|February 2024 United States airstrikes in Iraq and Syria}}

On 21 November 2023, a US AC-130-gunship struck a Kata'ib Hezbollah vehicle near Abu Ghraib, Iraq in response to the Islamic Resistance In Iraq's 20 November attack on Ain al Assad Airbase.{{Cite web |title=IRAN UPDATE, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-november-21-2023}}

On 2 February 2024, the US launched retaliatory airstrikes targeting Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, in response to an attack that killed three US troops in Jordan. On 7 February, a US drone strike on a vehicle in the Mashtal neighborhood of Baghdad killed a commander of Kata'ib Hezbollah Abu Baqir Al-Saadi.

• Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Armed Iraqi groups in the Iraq War and the Iraq Civil War}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Islamic Front For The Iraqi Resistance}}

Category:Anti-American sentiment in the Middle East

Category:Anti-Israeli sentiment in Iraq

Category:Arab militant groups

Category:Islamist insurgent groups

Category:Rebel groups in Iraq

Category:Iraqi nationalism

Category:Khomeinist groups

Category:Axis of Resistance

Category:Shia Islamist groups