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Series of Attacks Target Int’l Coalition Convoys in Iraq

A convoy of US vehicles is seen after withdrawing from northern Syria at the Iraqi-Syrian border crossing in the outskirts of Dohuk, Iraq, on October 21, 2019. REUTERS/Ari Jalal
A convoy of US vehicles is seen after withdrawing from northern Syria at the Iraqi-Syrian border crossing in the outskirts of Dohuk, Iraq, on October 21, 2019. REUTERS/Ari Jalal
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Series of Attacks Target Int’l Coalition Convoys in Iraq

A convoy of US vehicles is seen after withdrawing from northern Syria at the Iraqi-Syrian border crossing in the outskirts of Dohuk, Iraq, on October 21, 2019. REUTERS/Ari Jalal
A convoy of US vehicles is seen after withdrawing from northern Syria at the Iraqi-Syrian border crossing in the outskirts of Dohuk, Iraq, on October 21, 2019. REUTERS/Ari Jalal

International Coalition logistics lines in Iraq have come under attack on Tuesday despite local security authorities having announced securing the convoys that were moving to reach new positions in the country’s north and west.

Assaults targeting the US-led international coalition forces have been occurring progressively, with attacks sometimes taking place daily.

Staged by Iran-aligned factions, the attacks have caused minor damage but managed to embarrass Baghdad, which appeared helpless in the face of uncontrolled militias targeting ally forces fighting ISIS in the country.

While Iraqi authorities say that the columns of supplies are intended for Iraqi forces, not the coalition, anti-coalition militias insist that they are meant for US forces and their partners.

The militias have been demanding the expulsion of US forces from Iraq.

Baghdad’s Security Media Cell (SMC) announced on Tuesday the targeting of a convoy transporting equipment to the Iraqi forces in Samawah, 280 km southeast of the capital.

“A convoy that was transporting equipment for the Iraqi security forces through Iraqi local transport companies was targeted by an IED in the Mesaieed area of the Najmi district between Samawah and Diwaniyah provinces,” an SMC statement revealed.

According to the statement, the attack damaged one of the convoy’s wheels but did not stop it from moving towards its intended destination.

Even though the statement reported a single attack, other news outlets affiliated with Iran-aligned groups and some security sources mentioned four similar attacks taking place on Tuesday in the governorates of Babylon, Dhi Qar, Al-Qadisiyyah, and Al Muthanna.

Last Saturday, the Sumer Operations Command announced placing a new security plan in motion to ensure the safety of external routes in south Iraq governorates. This was intended to ensure the security of logistics convoys belonging to the coalition.

Security commands had previously announced more than one plan for this purpose, the last of which was in mid-June, but they failed in stopping the attacks.

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Hamas Faces Leadership Void amid Complex Challenges

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during the 31st anniversary celebrations of his movement in 2018 (EPA)
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during the 31st anniversary celebrations of his movement in 2018 (EPA)
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Hamas Faces Leadership Void amid Complex Challenges

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during the 31st anniversary celebrations of his movement in 2018 (EPA)
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during the 31st anniversary celebrations of his movement in 2018 (EPA)

Palestinian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is the “biggest blow” to the group since it was founded, even more significant than the deaths of its other leaders.
They said his killing leaves “a difficult gap to fill” and is likely to impact the situation in Gaza, the future of Hamas, and possibly the wider conflict between Iran and Israel.
Sinwar wasn’t just another Hamas leader. After launching the “Al-Aqsa Flood” on Oct. 7 last year, he became the group’s most iconic figure.
He was the “mastermind” behind the operation that exposed one of Israel’s greatest intelligence failures. Sinwar had unmatched control over Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is still battling in a devastated Gaza, where over 40,000 people have died.
He also strengthened Hamas’ ties with Iran, securing financial, military, and technical support from Tehran.
Under Sinwar, Hamas saw something new: both political and military decisions were controlled by one man, with strong public support in Gaza. Sinwar was seen by Hamas members as a charismatic leader, untouched by internal power struggles.
His assassination is a major win for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had promised to go after everyone involved in the Al-Aqsa Flood operation.
This adds to Netanyahu’s list of high-profile assassinations, which includes Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The killing also shows that the issue of hostages held by Hamas is no longer a major factor in Israel’s decision-making.
Key points from sources:
Hamas has a leadership structure to handle the loss of its leaders, but no one with Sinwar’s unique skills is left, especially after the deaths of key figures behind the Al-Aqsa Flood.
Unlike Hezbollah, Hamas is trapped in a besieged area, making it harder to receive help. Hezbollah, in contrast, can easily get support from Iran, including leadership aid.
Sinwar’s death won’t end Hamas, but it will weaken the group.
Decision-making will likely slow down, especially in balancing the political and military wings.
Sinwar’s assassination raises questions about the ongoing fighting in Gaza and the fate of hostages. His death could spark a wave of suicide attacks.
Without Sinwar, it will be hard for any new Hamas leader to accept a ceasefire, especially after the heavy Israeli strikes and the loss of key leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran.
The killing comes at a tense time, with Israel preparing for a possible strike on Iran, increasing the risk of a wider regional conflict.
It’s unclear how Sinwar’s death will impact Israel’s approach, or if it will bring the hostages back into focus, as some Israeli leaders suggest a ceasefire may now be possible.