Zaidi Targets June 2027 for Disarmament as Militias Log 171 US Flights

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization of Iran-backed militias, alleged on Friday that the United States violated Iraqi airspace 171 times since the end of the US-led anti-ISIS mission. The group stated that American fighter jets and reconnaissance planes entered the country between September 30 and Friday. These claims emerged as Baghdad attempts to bring non-state weapons under government control.

The US-led coalition formally concluded its military operation in Iraq on September 30. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has since moved to consolidate state authority over armed factions. He extended the deadline for this disarmament process to June 30, 2027. In an interview with Iraqi state media, Zaidi declared that no weapons would remain outside the framework of the state by that date. He added that Iraq would soon be a state where weapons are exclusively in the hands of security forces.

The initiative faces divided reactions from militia groups. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba have rejected the disarmament plan. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also accused the Iraqi government of appeasing Washington, citing reduced commercial flights and closed border crossings with Iran.

The State Department updated its travel advisory for Iraq on Saturday, maintaining a warning against all travel. The advisory cited increasing regional threats, including attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis on Saudi Arabia. Officials noted that hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area. The department warned that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence.

The advisory specifically identified threats from armed groups inside Iraq. It stated that terrorists, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias, conduct attacks against US persons and interests. Potential targets include airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities. The department noted that these groups use drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices in their operations.

US intelligence officials warned of increased Iranian efforts to assassinate American diplomats in the Middle East. A memorandum dated Friday from National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that some alleged plots had reached advanced stages. This warning coincides with Washington reducing staffing at several embassies due to regional escalation concerns.

The IRGC targeted a gathering center of the Kurdistan Free Life Party, an Iranian Kurdish opposition group, in Iran on Saturday. Clashes between the IRGC and the party's armed wing have intensified over the last week. Iran used drones and artillery against mountainous areas where Kurdish fighters operate. The Mehr News Agency described the operation as a preemptive strike against members allegedly preparing attacks.