U.S. campaign against Iranian militias
A political storm is brewing in Iraq as the Iraqi government has halted salary transfers to Iranian-backed militias operating in the country, according to a report today (Wednesday) by the Arabi21 website. According to the report, Iraqi sources claim this is a direct directive from the United States, which is pressuring the Iraqi government and banks to block the funds.
Earlier this week, Finance Committee member Moein al-Kazemi stated that the U.S. is pressuring the Iraqi government, the central bank, and local banks to stop salaries to members of the al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces). He said this pressure has disrupted the entire payment process. His comments followed claims by senior official Maytham al-Zaidi that the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve warned Rafidain Bank and the “Qi Card” company not to transfer funds—otherwise, they could face sanctions.
Goal: Strangling the militias
Ma’an al-Jubouri, a former advisor to Iraq’s Ministry of Defense, said the U.S. is targeting Iran-affiliated factions. According to him, just as with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the pressure is financial. The objective is to hinder their operational capabilities.
He also noted that within the al-Hashd al-Shaabi there are tens of thousands of fictitious names, enabling commanders to siphon off salaries for non-existent fighters. He said the economic pressure is expected to expose this scheme as well.
Mysterious strikes in Iraq
On Monday, three rockets were fired at Kirkuk International Airport in northern Iraq. One rocket struck a residential home, and two others landed in the airport’s military compound. At least two Iraqi security personnel sustained minor injuries.
The airport, which also houses a key military base, is used by the federal police and al-Hashd al-Shaabi militias. The attack follows other recent incidents in Iraq, including drone strikes last week on military bases—such as Taji and Imam Ali—that also impacted pro-Iranian forces.
