Skip to main content

Iran-backed militias in Iraq under fire after attack on base kills two Americans

Iran-backed militias in Iraq are facing strong criticism from politicians and protesters after the attack on US troops at the Taji military base.

GettyImages-1191101647.jpg
Iraqi protesters wave the Hashd al-Shaabi flag, among others, while storming the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Dec. 31, 2019. — Murtadha Sudani/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Taji military base north of Baghdad was hit March 11 by 18 Katyusha rockets, killing one British and two American soldiers and injuring dozens. No one has claimed responsibility so far, but many fingers are pointed at the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) factions in Iraq.

Soon after the attack, unidentified jets hit the Imam Ali military base of Kata'ib Hezbollah, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Saraya Ashura and other Iraqi Shiite militias in Albukamal near a strategic Syrian border crossing with Iraq, killing about 25 and wounding dozens. No party has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in