Do the Iraqi armed factions face the risk of being targeted by the US after declaring their support for the Houthis?

In light of recent developments, it appears that the Iraqi factions’ declaration of support for Yemen may jeopardize the unofficial truce between these factions and US forces in Iraq. This development has raised concerns within the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, who fears that US strikes in Yemen may prompt these factions to resume attacks on American forces inside Iraq.

According to available information, Iraqi factions recently held an emergency meeting where discussions focused on the repercussions of the US airstrikes in Yemen. There are serious concerns that Iraqi factions could become the next target of such strikes.

Meanwhile, notable positions have emerged from some parties within the Shiite Coordination Framework, the largest political alliance supporting the Iraqi government. Some members of this bloc believe that Iran is currently facing increased US escalation, raising fears that Tehran might exploit Iraqi factions as a pressure tool against Washington in response to this escalation.

In response to the situation, Prime Minister Al-Sudani has taken steps to manage the crisis. First, he called for a National Security Council meeting to discuss the potential impact of the US strikes in Yemen on Iraq. Second, Al-Sudani is working to arrange a meeting with leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework to explore ways to control the factions and ensure their continued commitment to the truce with US forces.

Meanwhile, the Sadrist Movement, led by Muqtada Al-Sadr, has weighed in on the crisis. Al-Sadr asserted that the Prime Minister lacks real authority over the armed factions, emphasizing that Iran is the only party capable of influencing the factions’ decision on whether to uphold or abandon the truce with the US.

As for the possibility of Iraqi factions being targeted by US strikes similar to those that hit the Houthis in Yemen, this scenario appears highly plausible. Several indicators support this likelihood, including the Iraqi government’s failure to dismantle or disarm these factions, as well as their continued military activities and close ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Given these circumstances, the prospect of US strikes on Iraqi factions seems highly likely, potentially occurring alongside ongoing American operations against the Houthis in Yemen or shortly thereafter.