Iran-backed armed factions in Iraq carried out extensive transfers and relocations of key headquarters and weapons depots in fear of attacks by Israel or the US, according to three sources close to these groups who spoke to The New Arab’s Arabic sister outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
The sources indicated that these operations were conducted over the past few days with strict secrecy, taking place at night and in coordination with the Iraqi government, in anticipation of potential strikes following recent developments, especially on the Yemeni front.
This information aligns with recent statements by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who said on Monday that Washington had prevented Israel from launching an attack on Iraq.
Hussein told Iraqi state television about “Israel’s intention” to respond to attacks carried out by Iraqi factions in recent weeks—referring to the Islamic Resistance group, which has carried out numerous drone and cruise missile attacks targeting Israeli sites in the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Golan Heights.
The sources said the movements included weapons depots as well as sites used for financing and housing personnel. The operations took place over the past few days and were coordinated with the Iraqi army, which provided security along the main roads and areas where these headquarters are located.
“Kata’ib Hezbollah, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, Imam Ali Brigades, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Al-Tafuf Brigades are among the most prominent factions that have carried out transfers and relocations of their sites to various new locations. These include workshops, weapons depots, vehicles, and shelters for personnel,” one of the sources told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
He confirmed that “the procedures were carried out with the knowledge of the government, following the established system for regulating the movement of military convoys between cities and provinces.”
In the wake of Israel’s resumption of indiscriminate attacks on Gaza, Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein warned of potential Israeli military strikes against Iraqi militias following “messages” via a third party indicating that Israel intends to target the country in retaliation for any actions by Iraqi armed factions seen as close to Iran.
Speaking on state television on Tuesday, the Iraqi foreign minister said, “The Zionist threats to strike Iraq were clear. Our government, constitution and interests all prevent us from opting for war. We received messages indicating the Zionist entity planned a series of strikes on Iraq.”Â
He added that while contacts with Washington and other international partners have helped distance Baghdad from immediate danger, significant threats remain—particularly given Iraq’s geographical proximity to Iran.
