US jets hit Iraq 171 times since mission end as Zaidi sets 2027 disarmament deadline

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have logged 171 entries by US fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft in the country's airspace since the anti-ISIS coalition formally ended its mission on September 30.

The count was released by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for several Iran-aligned factions. The group stated that the violations occurred between September 30 and Friday. The allegations have not been independently verified.

The US-led coalition concluded its military operations in Iraq on September 30. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has used the transition period to push for a new framework that places militia weapons under state control. The plan is scheduled to take full effect by June 30, 2027. Zaidi told Iraqi state media that by that date, "no weapons will remain outside the framework of the state."

Reactions to the disarmament deadline are mixed among the armed groups. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba remain opposed to the initiative. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate with government measures. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also accused Baghdad of appeasing the United States, citing Washington's pressure to reduce commercial flights and close border crossings with Iran.

The State Department issued an updated travel advisory on Saturday, warning US citizens of increased threats in Iraq. The advisory noted that Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports, could lead to wider regional escalation. The department stated that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence. It identified airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities as potential targets for drone and improvised explosive device attacks.

US National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton sent a memorandum to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday warning that some alleged Iranian plots to assassinate American diplomats had reached advanced stages. Washington is reducing staffing at several embassies in response to these concerns. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted a gathering center for the Kurdistan Free Life Party in Iran on Saturday, marking an escalation in clashes that could affect the security situation in Iraq.