The US Ambassador Tom Barrack told Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that Israel will attack if militias in Iraq aid Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Saudi Al-Hadath TV network reported Monday that Barrack warned of a “harsh Israeli strike” if Iraqi militias provide support for Lebanon. The meeting took place in Baghdad on Sunday. The American envoy informed the Iraqi leader that Washington expects Baghdad not to get involved in any conflict between Israel and the militias.
The Shia militias gained power after the US-built Iraqi military collapsed in the face of an Islamic State blitzkrieg. The militias were formed in response to the ISIS occupation of Iraq and emerged as one of the most effective forces against the jihadists.
The Shia militias received significant support from Iran. The militias also fought in Syria for Bashir al-Assad against ISIS and an al-Qaeda-linked group. During the Syrian War, Hezbollah was also allied with Assad.
The US and Israel have frequently bombed the Shia militias in Iraq and Syria. The armed groups have responded with rocket fire at US bases in the Lavant, killing and wounding several American soldiers.
The US has demanded that Iraq disarm the militias. Baghdad has tied demilitarizing the Shia groups with Washington’s withdrawal of its forces from Iraq.
