Sadr Accuses Parties of Undermining Security in Iraq

A picture dating back to last month of a member of the Counter-Terrorism Service in Baghdad (AFP)
A picture dating back to last month of a member of the Counter-Terrorism Service in Baghdad (AFP)
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Sadr Accuses Parties of Undermining Security in Iraq

A picture dating back to last month of a member of the Counter-Terrorism Service in Baghdad (AFP)
A picture dating back to last month of a member of the Counter-Terrorism Service in Baghdad (AFP)

A number of outlaw militias continue to launch missiles in Iraq, especially targeting the Green Zone, trying to threaten security in the country to delay or prevent elections and prolong the US troops' presence, according to the leader of Sadrist movement.

Muqtada al-Sadr pointed out in his last tweet that no one knows if these are the same groups that launched attacks in the past or new parties are now involved in the incidents.

He indicated that the attackers want to prove the effectiveness of their missiles and their ability to attack farther targets.

The aim of the launch is not to hit the target, because that would completely change the rules of engagement. Rather, the goal is to remind the target of their existence, according to Sadr.

The only time armed factions were able to approach the US embassy in the heart of Baghdad, was at the end of 2019 when they tried to storm the Green Zone.

In response, the US launched a drone attack against the commander of al-Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad airport. The missile also killed the leader of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was receiving Soleimani.

Sadr accused some parties of wanting to disturb the security for many reasons, notably delaying or canceling the elections, and prolonging the presence of the occupying forces.

He called for a comprehensive peace without weapons or violence and foreign agendas, indicating that “Iraq needs peace.”

The presence of US troops for another period justifies the presence of the militia, which usually launches a few missiles now and then.

MP of Saeroon, of the Sadrist movement, Salam al-Shammari, confirmed the movement and the bloc's refusal to make Iraq an arena for settling regional and international scores.

Shammari asserted that the Iraqi people want to live in peace and security, stressing the need for diplomacy to highlight the role of Iraq as an effective force, without allowing any state to interfere in its domestic affairs.



Israel’s Netanyahu: Attempt by Hezbollah to Assassinate Me Is ‘A Grave Mistake’

Israeli security forces secure a road near where Israel's government says a drone launched toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's house in Caesarea, Israel Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP)
Israeli security forces secure a road near where Israel's government says a drone launched toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's house in Caesarea, Israel Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP)
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Israel’s Netanyahu: Attempt by Hezbollah to Assassinate Me Is ‘A Grave Mistake’

Israeli security forces secure a road near where Israel's government says a drone launched toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's house in Caesarea, Israel Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP)
Israeli security forces secure a road near where Israel's government says a drone launched toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's house in Caesarea, Israel Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attempt of Iran's proxy Hezbollah to assassinate him and his wife on Saturday was "a grave mistake," after his spokesman said a drone was launched from Lebanon at his holiday home.

None of the groups firing on Israel over the last year, including the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, have claimed responsibility for that attack.

Israel’s government said a drone was launched toward the prime minister’s house Saturday, with no casualties.  

Sirens wailed Saturday morning in Israel, warning of incoming fire from Lebanon, with a drone launched toward Netanyahu’s house in Caesarea, the Israeli government said.

Neither he nor his wife were home, said his spokesperson in a statement.

The strikes into Israel come as its war with Lebanon’s Hezbollah — a Hamas ally — has intensified in recent weeks.  

Hezbollah said Friday that it planned to launch a new phase of fighting by sending more guided missiles and exploding drones into Israel. The armed group’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in late September, and Israel sent ground troops into Lebanon earlier in October.  

A standoff is also ensuing between Israel and Hamas, which it’s fighting in Gaza, with both signaling resistance to ending the war after Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar this week.  

On Friday, Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, said Sinwar’s death was a painful loss but noted that Hamas carried on despite the killings of other Palestinian militant leaders before him.  

“Hamas is alive and will stay alive,” Khamenei said.