Iraq pulled into Iran war as US targets Iran-aligned groups

Iraq is increasingly caught in the middle of escalating tensions between the US and Iran, suffering economically as a result. Recent US airstrikes have targeted the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) headquarters in Baghdad following attacks on a US diplomat and logistics center at Baghdad International Airport. The strikes, which occurred late Sunday, targeted multiple PMF locations, though no injuries were reported. Iraqi security forces have increased checkpoints around Baghdad to prevent further drone attacks, as some factions are launching drones from the city's vicinity. This situation places Iraqi authorities in a difficult position, balancing relations with both the US and powerful armed groups, as Iraqis express reluctance to be drawn into the wider conflict.

Overnight attacks targeted a US diplomatic and logistics center located at Baghdad’s International Airport. According to Iraqi security officials, the facility was struck by eight separate attacks involving rockets and drones. The attacks occurred until dawn, with some rockets landing near the base. Prior to the attacks, several departures from the US facility took place on Saturday. The airport complex, housing the US hub, has been repeatedly targeted since the start of the war in the Middle East on February 28. While no group has claimed responsibility for this specific incident, pro-Iran armed groups have previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks on US interests in Iraq and the region.

A drone strike on the Iraqi National Intelligence Service headquarters in Baghdad's Mansour district killed one police officer on Saturday morning. According to an Iraqi security official, the drone targeted a communications building housing an Iraqi security agency that works with US advisors. A second drone, apparently filming the attack, crashed into a nearby sports club. The attack occurred hours after three drone attacks targeted a US diplomatic and logistics hub at Baghdad International Airport, causing a fire near the base. Iraqi officials attribute the attacks to "outlaw groups" amid the ongoing regional conflict involving US-Israeli strikes on Iran-backed groups, who have retaliated with attacks on US interests in Iraq and the region.