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US Warns Baghdad Against Armed Faction Interference in Planned Operations

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi and Army Chief of Staff General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah (Archive–Prime Minister’s Office)
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi and Army Chief of Staff General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah (Archive–Prime Minister’s Office)
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US Warns Baghdad Against Armed Faction Interference in Planned Operations

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi and Army Chief of Staff General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah (Archive–Prime Minister’s Office)
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi and Army Chief of Staff General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah (Archive–Prime Minister’s Office)

Just two days after a US message reassured Baghdad about the future of bilateral relations, the Iraqi government appears to have received its sternest warning yet from the White House regarding armed factions.

The message contained a direct threat should these groups carry out any retaliatory actions in response to planned US operations in areas near Iraq in the coming days.

Iraq is preparing for its sixth parliamentary elections since the 2003 US-led invasion, amid deep divisions among political forces.

In this context, the mixed signals from Washington have fueled growing concern across the political spectrum, particularly among Shiite factions.

Two days after what seemed a clear signal of support for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who is contesting the elections amid intense internal disputes within the Shiite Coordination Framework, Baghdad received a sharply worded warning from US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, conveyed in a phone call to his Iraqi counterpart, Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi.

In a televised interview, al-Abbasi said Hegseth, via the US chargé d’affaires in Baghdad, warned of upcoming military operations in the region, cautioning against any interference by Iraqi factions. No further operational details were provided.

Al-Abbasi said the call lasted 11 to 12 minutes and included Iraq’s Chief of Staff, Deputy Joint Operations Commander, Assistant Operations Chief, and Director of Military Intelligence. The discussion also covered drone cooperation, a proposed security and intelligence cooperation memorandum, and the planned delivery of Bell helicopters to Iraq.

Al Abbasi concluded that Hegseth ended the call with a pointed warning: This is your final notice and you know well how the current administration will respond.

Experts Warn of Serious Concerns
Analysts speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat acknowledged serious concerns over the future of US-Iraq relations, regardless of the upcoming election results.

Dr. Ihsan Al-Shammari, head of the Iraqi Center for Political Thought, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the US administration’s strategy, particularly regarding armed factions and Iranian allies, is still in its initial testing phase.

Therefore, the fact that Washington has not yet taken concrete action suggests that steps are expected within a formal state framework.

Al-Shammari added that the US Secretary of War’s message reflects this approach and carries a clear warning. It signals that these groups are now targeted and have no option but to either align with the state and disarm or face potential US military action.

He noted that statements by US envoy Mark Savaya and Secretary Hegseth constitute a roadmap for political forces forming the next government, in line with American options.

Political analyst Dr. Abbas Abboud Salem told Asharq Al-Awsat that the US warning is not new in terms of Washington’s stance toward armed factions, as the conflict has been ongoing for years. The question now is why the threat comes at this particular moment.

Abboud said regional transformations, including developments in Syria and shifting regional power balances, mark a new phase in which secondary actors can no longer play significant roles.

He added that the US is not seeking an equal partnership with Iraq as it does with other countries. Its primary goal is to curb Iranian influence in Iraq and the broader region, particularly during elections, when some factions are participating, a scenario Washington finds unacceptable.

Security and strategy expert Mukhlid Hazem told Asharq Al-Awsat that it is clear that military arrangements are underway in the region, possibly targeting Iran, with coordinated air operations against Iranian-backed armed factions.

Hazem noted that this is not the first US warning. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously issued a similar warning during a call with the Iraqi prime minister. Savaya also sent a clear warning in his latest message, and any targeting could occur at any moment, as al-Abbasi publicly confirmed.

He added that there is an unmistakable US escalation against Iran, putting everyone on alert. Military operations against Tehran could happen soon, whether by the US or Israel.

The Muhandis Controversy

Separately, Iraq’s Ministry of Communications responded to a US media report claiming it had contracted the Muhandis company, affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces PMF, for a project.

The ministry said in a statement that the company is government-owned, under the PMF, and is entitled to participate in tenders and execute projects according to applicable regulations. It added that all ministry formations have the right to contract with any government-owned companies.

The statement clarified that the contract with Muhandis was fully compliant with Government Contract Execution Instructions No 2, after the company and others from the Ministries of Construction, Housing, and Industry were invited to participate in the maintenance of fiber-optic cable routes and the excavation and extension of new routes.

It stressed that this work is not linked in any way to Iraq’s Communications Administration, which exclusively manages and operates the fiber-optic network, using ministry staff only.

The US Treasury had imposed new sanctions on October 9 targeting Iraqi banking figures and companies linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah Brigades, including Muhandis, described as the PMF’s economic arm. Washington said the sanctions aimed to dismantle corruption and money-laundering networks enabling armed groups to operate inside and outside Iraq.

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Arab World

Lebanese Security Arrests Network Smuggling Drugs from Türkiye to Saudi Arabia

 A billboard on the road to Beirut International Airport promoting tourism in Lebanon. (AP) 
 A billboard on the road to Beirut International Airport promoting tourism in Lebanon. (AP) 
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Lebanese Security Arrests Network Smuggling Drugs from Türkiye to Saudi Arabia

 A billboard on the road to Beirut International Airport promoting tourism in Lebanon. (AP) 
 A billboard on the road to Beirut International Airport promoting tourism in Lebanon. (AP) 

Lebanese General Security has dismantled an organized network involved in smuggling drugs from Türkiye to Saudi Arabia, as authorities reiterated that Lebanon “will not be a platform or transit route for drug trafficking to sisterly or friendly countries.”

In a statement, the Media Affairs Office of Lebanon's General Security said that, as part of close monitoring of passenger movements at border crossings, officers at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport arrested four Turkish nationals, three men and one woman, while they were attempting to enter Lebanon on a flight arriving from Istanbul.

According to the statement, suspicions were raised by the suspects’ frequent travel patterns. Acting on instructions from the competent judiciary, the detainees were subjected to security interrogations that revealed they had established an organized network to smuggle narcotics from Türkiye to the Kingdom, in coordination with external parties and in exchange for financial payments.

Investigations also showed that they had carried out several previous operations using professional methods.

The statement added that investigations produced evidence confirming their direct involvement in smuggling activities. The suspects and seized materials were referred to the competent authorities under the supervision of the Mount Lebanon Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Interior and Municipalities Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar praised “the significant efforts made by the security services, particularly the Directorate General of General Security, in combating drug-trafficking networks,” commending the “high-quality operation carried out at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport that led to the arrest of an organized network involved in smuggling narcotics.”

He stressed that Lebanon “will never be a platform or transit route for drug trafficking to sisterly or friendly countries, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” and will not allow its territory to be used to undermine the security of Arab and international societies.

 

 

 

 

Arab World

Political, Military Activity in Lebanon to Address Weapons, Ceasefire Mechanism Crisis

Lebanese army soldiers look toward the Israeli military position of Hanita (left) and the Labbouneh position, part of the five hills occupied by Israeli forces since last year (right), from a Lebanese military post in the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP) 
Lebanese army soldiers look toward the Israeli military position of Hanita (left) and the Labbouneh position, part of the five hills occupied by Israeli forces since last year (right), from a Lebanese military post in the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP) 
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Political, Military Activity in Lebanon to Address Weapons, Ceasefire Mechanism Crisis

Lebanese army soldiers look toward the Israeli military position of Hanita (left) and the Labbouneh position, part of the five hills occupied by Israeli forces since last year (right), from a Lebanese military post in the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP) 
Lebanese army soldiers look toward the Israeli military position of Hanita (left) and the Labbouneh position, part of the five hills occupied by Israeli forces since last year (right), from a Lebanese military post in the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP) 

Lebanon is preparing political and military conditions to ensure the success of an upcoming visit by Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal to the United States, consolidate stability at home, and pave the way for a Paris conference in March to support the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The effort involves coordinated steps, beginning with setting a date for the army to present its vision to the government for implementing the second phase of the “exclusive state control of weapons” plan, alongside intensified international contacts to reactivate the work of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism.

Lebanese sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the success of the Paris conference depends on US backing, while Washington is awaiting the army’s proposed approach for launching the second phase of the weapons plan.

Political and military initiatives aim to unlock multiple obstacles simultaneously, strengthen stability, and enable the army to carry out its government-mandated tasks.

Army Plan Presented to Cabinet

The Cabinet is scheduled to meet Friday afternoon at Baabda Palace under President Joseph Aoun. A key agenda item is the army’s plan for deployment and operations north of the Litani River, which Haykal is expected to present in detail.

The Central News Agency (Al-Markaziah) reported that the briefing will cover the operational framework, implementation stages, assigned missions, and logistical and security requirements, considering recent developments in the south and Lebanon’s state commitments.

Official sources said the plan will define geographic scope, types of weapons, implementation tools, and timelines, and will be reviewed pending approval by relevant parties, an implicit reference to US and Israeli consent.

They noted that exclusive state control of weapons is a government commitment, and that Hezbollah, as part of the government, is expected to adhere to the plan.

During the first phase south of the Litani, the army worked to prevent the transfer of weapons between governorates. Proposals to “contain weapons” north of the Litani — an initiative put forward by Egypt and previously approved by the United States — are also under discussion.

The “Mechanism” Impasse

The resumption of meetings of the ceasefire “mechanism” is seen as the most significant obstacle.

On the military level, a Lebanese army delegation traveled to the United States on Wednesday ahead of Haykal’s planned visit on Feb. 5. Senior officers are expected to meet Gen. Joseph Clairfield, head of the mechanism committee, with sources confirming that no changes have been made to the committee overseeing the ceasefire.

Politically, the Lebanese presidency announced that Aoun’s security and military adviser, retired Brig. Gen. Antoine Mansour, met US Col. David Leon Klingensmith, deputy head of the mechanism committee, in the presence of Defense Attaché Col. Jason Belknap at the US Embassy in Beirut. Discussions focused on the committee’s work, cooperation with the Lebanese side, and preparations for the next meeting.

The meeting also explored whether Israel had responded to Lebanese demands regarding the ceasefire, withdrawal, and prisoner releases. Ministerial sources stressed that the mechanism remains the sole framework for security, military, and political negotiations to implement the agreement.

Next Meeting and Growing Tensions

The next mechanism meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25. While the agenda has not been finalized, official estimates suggest it will focus on security issues rather than political ones, amid continued Israeli violations despite Lebanon’s fulfillment of its commitments.

Lebanese authorities maintain that Lebanon has extended state authority south of the Litani, removed weapons, refrained from firing toward Israel, and advanced phased implementation of exclusive state control of arms — steps taken unilaterally, while Israel has not halted attacks, withdrawn from occupied positions, or released detainees.

Sources stressed the need for international pressure on Israel to honor its obligations and demonstrate good faith in the ceasefire process.

Arab World

Yemeni Officer: Drug-Smuggling Networks Linked to Houthi Preventive Security

Colonel Osama al-Assad said that coordination with the Saudi side is at the highest level to safeguard border security (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
Colonel Osama al-Assad said that coordination with the Saudi side is at the highest level to safeguard border security (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
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Yemeni Officer: Drug-Smuggling Networks Linked to Houthi Preventive Security

Colonel Osama al-Assad said that coordination with the Saudi side is at the highest level to safeguard border security (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
Colonel Osama al-Assad said that coordination with the Saudi side is at the highest level to safeguard border security (Asharq Al-Awsat). 

Colonel Osama al-Assad, commander of Yemen’s Security and Protection Battalion at the Al-Wadiah border crossing, said that most drug-smuggling networks operating from Yemen toward Saudi Arabia are directly linked to the Houthi group’s so-called Preventive Security apparatus.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Assad revealed that his unit recently arrested a senior Houthi figure who attempted to enter Saudi Arabia using a forged passport and a fake Umrah visa. He suggested that the suspect’s motives were security-related rather than religious, as claimed.

Al-Assad said his battalion faces daily attempts of various types of smuggling, including narcotics, human trafficking, forged documents, and unidentified individuals. He stressed that the unit’s experience has enabled it to thwart many illegal activities.

He also highlighted the high level of coordination with Saudi authorities, expressing appreciation for Riyadh’s continued support for Yemen in general and for border security forces in particular.

Battalion’s Mission

Al-Assad explained that the battalion’s core mission is to secure the Al-Wadiah crossing and combat all forms of smuggling. He noted that the unit arrests around 10 individuals daily carrying forged Umrah visas.

The battalion’s security zone extends 30 kilometers west toward the Rayyan area in Al-Jawf governorate, 50 kilometers toward the 11th Border Guard Brigade, and 40 kilometers toward the Al-Abr region. Its tasks also include arresting wanted members of Al-Qaeda and fugitives evading court rulings.

Links to Houthi Networks

According to al-Assad, most contraband-smuggling operations are directly connected to the Houthi Preventive Security apparatus in Sanaa, with interrogations of suspects revealing direct ties.

He said Houthi-linked networks support both human and drug-smuggling operations. During one operation, a network offered one million Saudi riyals in exchange for releasing a smuggler, abandoning the vehicle and seized contraband.

Secret Meetings

Investigations indicate that smugglers affiliated with the Houthi apparatus hold meetings in border areas near Oman. Some secret gatherings reportedly took place in Al-Ghaydah, the capital of Al-Mahra governorate in eastern Yemen. Al-Assad said Ali al-Huraizi plays a prominent role in these networks.

Close Coordination with Saudi Arabia

Al-Assad noted that security cooperation with Saudi Arabia is at the highest level, with continuous information exchange on smuggling cases. He described Saudi security measures as strong and vigilance as high.

He confirmed that the battalion recently arrested a senior Houthi official attempting to enter Saudi Arabia with a forged Umrah visa, describing the operation as “dramatic.”

Drug Production

Al-Assad further claimed that the Houthis, whom he described as an Iranian proxy, have moved to establish drug-production facilities in Sanaa and Saada following the fall of the Assad regime. He cited the dismantling of a drug factory in Al-Mahra, allegedly under the supervision of Ali al-Huraizi, with a production capacity of about 10,000 pills per hour.

Challenges

Al-Assad said the battalion’s main challenge is limited resources, relying heavily on human effort. He called for heavy equipment to build earth barriers and trenches to curb internal smuggling.