Iraqi Militia Declares War on U.S. Soldiers In-Country

by | Jun 29, 2021

Iraqi Militia Declares War on U.S. Soldiers In-Country

by | Jun 29, 2021

Operation Iraqi Freedom

030427-M-4066S-013 Qalat Sikar Air Base, Iraq (Apr. 27, 2003) Ð An M16-A2 service rifle, a pair of boots and a helmet stand in tribute to a fallen Marine Corps Sergeant assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron Three Seven One (MWSS-371), killed in action in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan P. Sotelo. (RELEASED)

U.S. strikes in Iraq and Syria overnight didn’t take long to provoke a reaction, despite claims that the strikes were a “deterrent.” US troops in Syria were under rocket attacks within a matter of hours.

Details are still emerging, though the U.S. says that there are no casualties so far. This is just the start of the problem though, with the targeted militia vowing “open war with the American occupation.”

U.S. troops reportedly came under rocket fire in northeastern Syria, and U.S. troops responded with artillery fire. Secretary of State Tony Blinken said that the U.S. is ready to act further.

Iraq’s umbrella militia Hashd al-Shaabi says four Iraqis were killed in the U.S. attacks, and promised to “wreak vengeance on the perpetrators of this heinous crime.” In the attack on Syria, the US killed at least one civilian child.

In addition to attacks in Syria, the group is threatening to target U.S. aircraft and fire missiles against U.S. bases in Iraq.

Many in Iraq are calling for revenge, while Iran issued a statement warning Biden that he is headed down the wrong path. Biden has touted this as a message to Iran.

This article was originally featured at Antiwar.com and is republished with permission.

Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is the News Editor for Antiwar.com, your best source for antiwar news, viewpoints and activities. He has 10 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times and the Detroit Free Press.

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