Iraq

“$10 Million Bounty: Iraq’s Hezbollah Militia Leader Ahmad al-Hamidawi and the Shadow War for Power”

  Ahmad al-Hamidawi, also known as Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, has become one of the most influential and controversial figures in Iraq’s modern security landscape. As the Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned militia designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, he stands at the center of a network that blends armed power, political influence, and regional strategy. Al-Hamidawi rose to prominence following the killing of his predecessor, Abu…

Iran-Backed Militias’ Relentless Attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan – Targeting Civilians and Exposing Baghdad’s Troubling Silence

  The repeated targeting of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region by Iran-aligned armed factions represents one of the most serious threats to Iraq’s sovereignty and regional stability in recent years. Since the escalation of broader Middle East tensions in early 2026, these groups — operating under banners such as the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” including factions like Ashab al-Kahf and others linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) — have launched hundreds…

Washington Draws a Red Line: U.S. Rejects Maliki Amid Security Failures Under Al-Sudani

  Baghdad — The United States is making clear that it opposes any return of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to power, while also voicing growing concern over the current government’s inability to rein in armed factions and guarantee the safety of American citizens in Iraq. Diplomatic sources indicate that Washington views Maliki’s potential comeback as a destabilizing move. His previous tenure remains closely associated with policies that deepened sectarian…

Baghdad’s Failure to Act: Unchecked Militias Escalate Attacks as Washington Issues Stark Warning

Baghdad – The Iraqi government’s continued failure to rein in Iran-aligned militias is drawing sharp criticism from Washington and raising serious concerns about Iraq’s role in escalating regional instability. As attacks on U.S. interests intensify and threats extend toward Gulf states, pressure is mounting squarely on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and his administration. Despite repeated assurances from Baghdad, Iran-backed militias have operated with increasing boldness across Iraq, launching attacks…

Rising Tensions in Iraq: Iran-Backed Militias Under Pressure as U.S. Signals Firm Response

Baghdad — Iran-backed militias in Iraq are facing growing scrutiny and escalating pressure amid their expanding role in the current conflict, as the United States signals a more decisive and forceful approach toward armed groups operating outside state control. Over recent months, these militias—widely believed to be aligned with Tehran—have intensified their activities, including attacks on strategic sites and threats against Western interests in the region. Security analysts and Western…