Unidentified gunmen killed at least 11 people and wounded 8 others including soldiers in an attack on an Iraqi army post in western Baghdad, police sources and medics said on Monday.

The assailants in four vehicles attacked the post in the city`s Al-Radhwaniya district using grenades and automatic weapons, the sources said.

The army and police forces have started an operation in search of the attackers, police sources said.

Unidentified gunmen killed at least 11 people and wounded 8 others including soldiers in an attack on an Iraqi army post in western Baghdad, police sources and medics said on Monday.

Unidentified gunmen killed at least 11 people and wounded 8 others including soldiers in an attack on an Iraqi army post in western Baghdad, police sources and medics said on Monday. The assailants in four vehicles attacked the post in the city`s Al-Radhwaniya district using grenades and automatic weapons, the sources said. The army and police forces have started an operation in search of the attackers, police sources said.

Gunmen kill at least 11 in attack on Iraqi army post in Baghdad

Outrage over the French president's stance on cartoons of Muhammad saw some Iraqis burn the French flag in Baghdad on Wednesday while marking the birth of Islam's most revered prophet.

Iraqis celebrating Mawlid burn French flag

Iraqis took to the streets of Baghdad and Basra on Sunday (October 25) marking a year since anti-government unrest erupted across the country, and to put pressure on the government to meet their demands of improving living conditions, eradicating corruption and creating new jobs for the thousands of unemployed have yet to be realized.

Iraqis take to the streets on protest anniversary

Supporters of Hashed al-Shaabi, an Iraqi paramilitary network dominated by Iran-backed factions, Saturday burned down the main Kurdish party's headquarters in Baghdad after criticism from a Kurdish ex-minister.

Hundreds of Hashed demonstrators swept past a security detail and stormed into the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which runs the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq, and torched them.

Protesters burned Kurdish flags while others carried posters of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad airport last January.

In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi convened an emergency meeting of Iraq's national security council, at which he announced 15 arrests and the launch of a probe into the guards' failure to protect the KDP headquarters.

The Hashed paramilitaries were formed in 2014 from mostly-Shiite armed groups and volunteers to fight the Islamic State jihadist group.

Hashed has since been formally integrated into Iraq's armed forces and has representation in parliament, and it has spawned several ideologically affiliated armed groups.

Earlier this month, Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq's longtime former foreign minister and a key Kurdish power-broker, said the government needed to "clean up the Green Zone (in Baghdad) from the presence of Hashed militias".

They were operating "outside the law", Zebari, a KDP member, said in comments to the US-funded Al-Hurra television.

- Washington warning -

Kurdish president Nechirvan Barzani condemned Saturday's vandalism as "an act of sabotage" but also struck a unifying tone by noting that Hashed fighters had battled alongside Kurdish peshmerga forces in defeating IS.

But Massoud Barzani, the KDP's veteran head, called on the Baghdad government to hold the assailants accountable.

"Those who attack the KDP and make a mockery of the values of Kurdistan's people will pay the price for their actions," he said.

Vian Sabry, head of the KDP bloc in the Iraqi parliament, blamed "unaccountable factions for being behind such acts", without elaborating.

At the end of last month, Kurdish authorities accused Hashed militants of firing rockets at the airport in Arbil, the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, where US troops are based.

Around 90 rocket attacks have targeted the US presence in Iraq since the January drone strike, with several claimed by pro-Iran factions.

Washington has warned it will not tolerate attacks on US interests in Iraq by Iran-backed militias.

"We can't tolerate the threats to our people, our men and women serving abroad," David Schenker, assistant secretary of state for near Eastern affairs, told reporters at the start of this month.

Schenker did not confirm or deny a reported US threat to withdraw its troops and close its embassy in Baghdad.

Several political and diplomatic sources have told AFP that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued an ultimatum that all US personnel would leave Iraq unless the government put a stop to a rash of attacks against them.

In August, a mob stormed and set fire to a television station owned by a Sunni politician for broadcasting a "festive" show on Ashura, one of the most solemn holidays on the Shiite religious calendar.

Supporters of Hashed al-Shaabi, an Iraqi paramilitary network dominated by Iran-backed factions, Saturday burned down the main Kurdish party's headquarters in Baghdad after criticism from a Kurdish ex-minister.

Supporters of Hashed al-Shaabi, an Iraqi paramilitary network dominated by Iran-backed factions, Saturday burned down the main Kurdish party's headquarters in Baghdad after criticism from a Kurdish ex-minister. Hundreds of Hashed demonstrators swept past a security detail and stormed into the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which runs the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq, and torched them. Protesters burned Kurdish flags while others carried posters of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad airport last January. In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi convened an emergency meeting of Iraq's national security council, at which he announced 15 arrests and the launch of a probe into the guards' failure to protect the KDP headquarters. The Hashed paramilitaries were formed in 2014 from mostly-Shiite armed groups and volunteers to fight the Islamic State jihadist group. Hashed has since been formally integrated into Iraq's armed forces and has representation in parliament, and it has spawned several ideologically affiliated armed groups. Earlier this month, Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq's longtime former foreign minister and a key Kurdish power-broker, said the government needed to "clean up the Green Zone (in Baghdad) from the presence of Hashed militias". They were operating "outside the law", Zebari, a KDP member, said in comments to the US-funded Al-Hurra television. - Washington warning - Kurdish president Nechirvan Barzani condemned Saturday's vandalism as "an act of sabotage" but also struck a unifying tone by noting that Hashed fighters had battled alongside Kurdish peshmerga forces in defeating IS. But Massoud Barzani, the KDP's veteran head, called on the Baghdad government to hold the assailants accountable. "Those who attack the KDP and make a mockery of the values of Kurdistan's people will pay the price for their actions," he said. Vian Sabry, head of the KDP bloc in the Iraqi parliament, blamed "unaccountable factions for being behind such acts", without elaborating. At the end of last month, Kurdish authorities accused Hashed militants of firing rockets at the airport in Arbil, the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, where US troops are based. Around 90 rocket attacks have targeted the US presence in Iraq since the January drone strike, with several claimed by pro-Iran factions. Washington has warned it will not tolerate attacks on US interests in Iraq by Iran-backed militias. "We can't tolerate the threats to our people, our men and women serving abroad," David Schenker, assistant secretary of state for near Eastern affairs, told reporters at the start of this month. Schenker did not confirm or deny a reported US threat to withdraw its troops and close its embassy in Baghdad. Several political and diplomatic sources have told AFP that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued an ultimatum that all US personnel would leave Iraq unless the government put a stop to a rash of attacks against them. In August, a mob stormed and set fire to a television station owned by a Sunni politician for broadcasting a "festive" show on Ashura, one of the most solemn holidays on the Shiite religious calendar.

Pro-Iran protesters torch Kurd party offices in Baghdad

After months spent praying alone, Tamara Muwaffaq was relieved to finally be back at Baghdad's 'Our Lady of Assumption' church on Sunday (October 11) for collective prayers.

Churches in Baghdad reopen their doors after months of closure

A few hundred Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's central Tahrir square on Thursday (October 1) to mark the anniversary of anti-government unrest that erupted last year and to put pressure on the government to meet their demands.

Iraqis march to mark mass protests anniversary

Death toll due to rocket attack at Baghdad airport has risen to 7. 5 children & 2 women have been killed in the attack.

WION Dispatch: 7 civilians killed in rocket attack at Baghdad airport

United States is set to withdraw diplomats from Iraq after warning Baghdad it could shut its embassy- a step Iraqis fear could turn their country into a battle zone.

Your Story: US threatens to evacuate diplomats from Iraq

More than a hundred people protested outside French embassy in Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday against Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is the magazine that had published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in 2015. This had resulted in an attack at its Paris headquarters five years ago.

Charlie Hebdo republished the controversial cartoons earlier this month as alleged accomplices of the attackers faced trial.

On Thursday, around 150 protesters, women and children included, gathered at the gates of the French embassy in east Baghdad and staged protest.

"We denounce the repeated insults from the French media against our prophet," read one banner, in Arabic. 
Iraqi security forces carrying riot shields were deployed in large numbers at the embassy gates, but the protest lasted less than half an hour and remained peaceful.

Twelve people, including some of France's most celebrated cartoonists, were killed on January 7, 2015, when brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi went on a gun rampage at the paper's offices in Paris.

Images of the prophet are banned in Islam.

Diplomatic missions in Iraq have faced a slew of armed attacks in recent weeks.

Late Monday, two Katyusha rockets were fired at the US embassy in the high-security Green Zone, on the opposite bank of the Tigris from the French embassy.

The embassy's C-RAM rocket defense system shot both down, security sources told AFP.

Hours later, an improvised explosive device targeted a British embassy vehicle returning from Baghdad airport.

More than a hundred people protested outside French embassy in Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday against Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is the magazine that had published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in 2015.

More than a hundred people protested outside French embassy in Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday against Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is the magazine that had published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in 2015. This had resulted in an attack at its Paris headquarters five years ago. Charlie Hebdo republished the controversial cartoons earlier this month as alleged accomplices of the attackers faced trial. On Thursday, around 150 protesters, women and children included, gathered at the gates of the French embassy in east Baghdad and staged protest. "We denounce the repeated insults from the French media against our prophet," read one banner, in Arabic. Iraqi security forces carrying riot shields were deployed in large numbers at the embassy gates, but the protest lasted less than half an hour and remained peaceful. Twelve people, including some of France's most celebrated cartoonists, were killed on January 7, 2015, when brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi went on a gun rampage at the paper's offices in Paris. Images of the prophet are banned in Islam. Diplomatic missions in Iraq have faced a slew of armed attacks in recent weeks. Late Monday, two Katyusha rockets were fired at the US embassy in the high-security Green Zone, on the opposite bank of the Tigris from the French embassy. The embassy's C-RAM rocket defense system shot both down, security sources told AFP. Hours later, an improvised explosive device targeted a British embassy vehicle returning from Baghdad airport.

Baghdad: People protest against Charlie Hebdo outside French embassy

A Katyusha rocket landed in Baghdad's Green Zone, causing damage to an empty building.&nbsp;

No casualties were, however, reported, Iraqi police sources said on Saturday.

It was the second such attack this week after three rockets landed in the heavily fortified Green Zone on Thursday, also causing no casualties.

Washington blames such attacks on Iranian-backed militia groups.

Iraq, often the scene of spillover violence from US-Iran tensions, seeks to avoid being drawn into any regional conflagration.

The Middle East came close to a full conflict in January after a US drone strike killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad airport. It's often said the Iran-aligned militias have since sworn to avenge their deaths.

A Katyusha rocket landed in Baghdad's Green Zone, causing damage to an empty building. No casualties were, however, reported, Iraqi police sources said on Saturday.

A Katyusha rocket landed in Baghdad's Green Zone, causing damage to an empty building. No casualties were, however, reported, Iraqi police sources said on Saturday. It was the second such attack this week after three rockets landed in the heavily fortified Green Zone on Thursday, also causing no casualties. Washington blames such attacks on Iranian-backed militia groups. Iraq, often the scene of spillover violence from US-Iran tensions, seeks to avoid being drawn into any regional conflagration. The Middle East came close to a full conflict in January after a US drone strike killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad airport. It's often said the Iran-aligned militias have since sworn to avenge their deaths.

Rocket falls inside Baghdad's Green Zone, no casualties reported

Baghdad continues to witness fresh anti-government protests demanding an end to Iraq's political system. Watch report.

Protests erupt in Baghdad near Tahrir square

Iran has issued an arrest warrant and asked Interpol for help in detaining President Donald Trump and dozens of others it believes carried out the drone strike that killed a top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

WION Dispatch: Iran issues arrest warrant against Donald Trump

Iraq's bitterly divided parliament postponed a vote of confidence in prime minister-designate Mohammad Allawi's government for a second time Saturday, as political wrangling continued ahead of a looming deadline.

Parliament speaker Mohammed Halbusi said that the crunch vote, which had already been delayed last week for lack of a quorum, would now be held on Sunday.

Midnight (2100 GMT) Sunday is the deadline for lawmakers to end a protracted political vacuum and agree on a new government or see President Barham Saleh designate a premier unilaterally.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraqs-holy-mosque-disinfected-as-sixth-virus-case-reported-283392"> Iraq's holy mosque disinfected as sixth virus case reported</a> 
&nbsp;

Failure to go ahead with the vote could also trigger a call for mass protests from populist cleric Moqtada Sadr, whose supporters form the largest bloc in parliament and who has demanded that lawmakers approve Allawi's government.

Iraq's current parliament is the most divided in its recent history and Allawi is struggling to secure support from the country's Sunni Arab and Kurdish minorities.

Kurds and Sunnis are also opposed to a non-binding vote passed by parties representing the Shiite majority for the immediate departure of the 5,200 US troops stationed in Iraq.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assanges-uk-extradition-hearing-paused-until-may-283401">Julian Assange's UK extradition hearing paused until May</a>

Iraq has been without a government since Allawi's predecessor Adel Abdel Mahdi quit under pressure from the street two months ago.

Protests have gripped Baghdad and the mainly Shiite south since October, demanding a government of technocrats not beholden to party political or foreign interests to tackle rampant corruption and a failing economy.

Demonstrators have already rejected the choice of Allawi for premier, saying he is too close to the confessional political system they have rallied against for months.

Iraq's bitterly divided parliament postponed a vote of confidence in prime minister-designate Mohammad Allawi's government for a second time Saturday, as political wrangling continued ahead of a looming deadline.

Iraq's bitterly divided parliament postponed a vote of confidence in prime minister-designate Mohammad Allawi's government for a second time Saturday, as political wrangling continued ahead of a looming deadline. Parliament speaker Mohammed Halbusi said that the crunch vote, which had already been delayed last week for lack of a quorum, would now be held on Sunday. Midnight (2100 GMT) Sunday is the deadline for lawmakers to end a protracted political vacuum and agree on a new government or see President Barham Saleh designate a premier unilaterally. Also read: Iraq's holy mosque disinfected as sixth virus case reported Failure to go ahead with the vote could also trigger a call for mass protests from populist cleric Moqtada Sadr, whose supporters form the largest bloc in parliament and who has demanded that lawmakers approve Allawi's government. Iraq's current parliament is the most divided in its recent history and Allawi is struggling to secure support from the country's Sunni Arab and Kurdish minorities. Kurds and Sunnis are also opposed to a non-binding vote passed by parties representing the Shiite majority for the immediate departure of the 5,200 US troops stationed in Iraq. Also see: Julian Assange's UK extradition hearing paused until May Iraq has been without a government since Allawi's predecessor Adel Abdel Mahdi quit under pressure from the street two months ago. Protests have gripped Baghdad and the mainly Shiite south since October, demanding a government of technocrats not beholden to party political or foreign interests to tackle rampant corruption and a failing economy. Demonstrators have already rejected the choice of Allawi for premier, saying he is too close to the confessional political system they have rallied against for months.

Iraq parliament postpones confidence vote as deadline looms

Military personnel disinfected one of Iraq's holiest mosques on Thursday (February 27), part of measures combating the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Iraq's holy mosque disinfected as sixth virus case reported

Multiple rockets have hit near the US Embassy in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

News Alert: US Embassy in Baghdad attacked

Hundreds of Iraqi women of all ages flooded central Baghdad to get greater inclusion in the country's political system. Most of the women carried roses, Iraqi flags and, signs defending their roles.

Iraqi women demand inclusion in politics

The United States stopped all weapons deliveries to Iraq in the midst of the growing tensions with the government in Baghdad, the US-based Inside Defense news site reported.

The freeze includes halting supplies for the new F-16 fleet, the report said on Monday citing Air Force spokesperson Brian Brackens.

The Pentagon will resume shipments "when the environment in Iraq is safe enough," Brackens said, according to the report.

On Sunday, three missiles landed on the US embassy's territory in Baghdad, with one of the missiles hitting the embassy’s restaurant. Several people were reportedly injured.

In early January, the Iraqi parliament voted to expel all foreign forces from the country and also raised the voice for ceasing cooperation with the international coalition. This came as a response to Washington's operation, in which Abu Mahdi Muhandis, the deputy commander of the Iraqi Shia militia, and Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian top general - both allegedly involved in the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad on December 31 - were killed.

Washington has threatened that it will impose sanctions on Iraq if the US forces are expelled. Meanwhile, when Salih met with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the latter reiterated US’s support for stability in Iraq.&nbsp;

The United States stopped all weapons deliveries to Iraq in the midst of the growing tensions with the government in Baghdad, the US-based Inside Defense news site reported.

The United States stopped all weapons deliveries to Iraq in the midst of the growing tensions with the government in Baghdad, the US-based Inside Defense news site reported. The freeze includes halting supplies for the new F-16 fleet, the report said on Monday citing Air Force spokesperson Brian Brackens. The Pentagon will resume shipments "when the environment in Iraq is safe enough," Brackens said, according to the report. On Sunday, three missiles landed on the US embassy's territory in Baghdad, with one of the missiles hitting the embassy’s restaurant. Several people were reportedly injured. In early January, the Iraqi parliament voted to expel all foreign forces from the country and also raised the voice for ceasing cooperation with the international coalition. This came as a response to Washington's operation, in which Abu Mahdi Muhandis, the deputy commander of the Iraqi Shia militia, and Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian top general - both allegedly involved in the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad on December 31 - were killed. Washington has threatened that it will impose sanctions on Iraq if the US forces are expelled. Meanwhile, when Salih met with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the latter reiterated US’s support for stability in Iraq.

US stops weapons delivery to Iraq amid tensions with Baghdad: Reports

Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's main protest site on Tahrir Square on Saturday, firing bullets and tear gas at anti-government protesters who camped there for months.

Iraq Protests: Three Protesters Shot Dead In Clashes With Police

Iraq Protests: Security Forces Fire Live Rounds At Protesters

Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's main protest site at Tahrir Square on Saturday, firing live rounds and tear gas at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-resurgence-possible-if-america-leaves-iraq-us-general-276003">anti-government demonstrators </a>who have camped out there for months, Reuters reporters said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties but at least seven people were wounded in clashes with police earlier in the day, medics and security sources said.

The clashes took place after authorities began <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-resurgence-possible-if-america-leaves-iraq-us-general-276003https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-resurgence-possible-if-america-leaves-iraq-us-general-276003https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-resurgence-possible-if-america-leaves-iraq-us-general-276003">removing concrete barriers near Tahrir Square</a> and across at least one main bridge over the Tigris River in Baghdad.

In the southern city of Basra, security forces raided the main anti-government sit-in overnight and deployed in force to stop protesters gathering there again, security sources said. Police arrested at least 16 protesters in Basra, they said.

The actions appeared to be an attempt to fully clear out anti-government sit-ins and end months of popular demonstrations that have called for the removal of Iraq's entire ruling elite.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4-people-including-two-policemen-killed-as-protests-erupt-in-iraq-275553">Security forces</a> began the raids just hours after populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said he wound halt the involvement of his supporters in the anti-government unrest.

Sadr had supported the demands of protesters for the removal of corrupt politicians and provision of services and jobs soon after the demonstrations began in October but stopped short of calling all his followers to join in.

Many of Sadr's millions of supporters who hail from Baghdad's slums have been involved in demonstrations, however.

Sadr's followers held a march on Friday calling for a removal of US troops from the country in a rally separate from the anti-government protests. The march, which some observers expected to descend into violence, dissipated after several hours.

Sadr wrote on Twitter late on Friday that he would "try not to interfere in the issue (of protesters), either negatively or positively, so that they can shepherd the fate of Iraq." He did not elaborate.

In Basra, protesters urged Sadr to reconsider what they said was a withdrawal of support for popular demonstrations. In a letter circulated on social media, they called for the support of Sadrists, without whom they feared attacks by security forces.

Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's main protest site at Tahrir Square on Saturday, firing live rounds and tear gas at anti-government demonstrators who have camped out there for months, Reuters reporters said.

Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's main protest site at Tahrir Square on Saturday, firing live rounds and tear gas at anti-government demonstrators who have camped out there for months, Reuters reporters said. There were no immediate reports of casualties but at least seven people were wounded in clashes with police earlier in the day, medics and security sources said. The clashes took place after authorities began removing concrete barriers near Tahrir Square and across at least one main bridge over the Tigris River in Baghdad. In the southern city of Basra, security forces raided the main anti-government sit-in overnight and deployed in force to stop protesters gathering there again, security sources said. Police arrested at least 16 protesters in Basra, they said. The actions appeared to be an attempt to fully clear out anti-government sit-ins and end months of popular demonstrations that have called for the removal of Iraq's entire ruling elite. Security forces began the raids just hours after populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said he wound halt the involvement of his supporters in the anti-government unrest. Sadr had supported the demands of protesters for the removal of corrupt politicians and provision of services and jobs soon after the demonstrations began in October but stopped short of calling all his followers to join in. Many of Sadr's millions of supporters who hail from Baghdad's slums have been involved in demonstrations, however. Sadr's followers held a march on Friday calling for a removal of US troops from the country in a rally separate from the anti-government protests. The march, which some observers expected to descend into violence, dissipated after several hours. Sadr wrote on Twitter late on Friday that he would "try not to interfere in the issue (of protesters), either negatively or positively, so that they can shepherd the fate of Iraq." He did not elaborate. In Basra, protesters urged Sadr to reconsider what they said was a withdrawal of support for popular demonstrations. In a letter circulated on social media, they called for the support of Sadrists, without whom they feared attacks by security forces.

Iraqi security forces raid Baghdad's main protest camp, shoot at demonstrators

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-authorities-lift-baghdad-curfew-253920">Baghdad</a> on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. &nbsp;

The march has rattled the separate, months-old protest movement that has gripped the capital and the Shiite-majority south since October, demanding a government overhaul, early elections, and more accountability.

In the early hours of Friday, thousands of men, women, and children of all ages massed under grey skies in the Jadiriyah district of east Baghdad.

"Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!"&nbsp;

The American military presence has been a hot-button issue in Iraq since a US drone strike killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad airport&nbsp;on January 3.

Two days later, parliament voted for all foreign troops -- including some 5,200 US personnel -- to leave the country.

The vote was non-binding and a senior US official said Thursday that Washington had yet to open talks with Baghdad on a troop pullout.

"There has not been any real engagement," said ambassador James Jeffrey, the US special envoy for Syria and the coalition against the Islamic State group.

<img alt=" US troops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02ac7ba8-8785-4a90-a2de-4f4a58f9eeb7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_10.jpg" />

But he added that operations against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-jihadists-killed-in-russia-strikes-on-idlib-monitor-253924">jihadists</a> had been on hold since the drone strike, which triggered retaliatory Iranian missile strikes targeting US troops in Iraq.

"Coalition operations have been primarily on pause in Iraq as we focus on force protection and looking into the way forward with the Iraqi government," Jeffrey said.

Long opposed to the US troop presence, Sadr seized on the public anger over the drone strike to call "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations".

Several pro-Iran factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, usually rivals of Sadr, have backed his call and pledged to join.

Preparations were in full swing as early as noon on Thursday, with additional checkpoints across Baghdad to secure the protest area and buses ferrying in people for the rally.&nbsp;

But separate anti-government protesters, who have braved violence that has left 470 people dead since October, fear their cause could be eclipsed by Sadr's powerplay.

"Sadr doesn't represent us," one teenager said defiantly late Thursday on a blocked-off thoroughfare in Baghdad.

To head off Friday's gathering and ramp up pressure on authorities to enact reforms, young demonstrators blocked streets in Baghdad and across the south this week.&nbsp;

When Sadr announced the rally last week, many feared he would hold it near Tahrir (Liberation) Square -- the main focus of the long-running protests.

But his spokesman Saleh al-Obeidy said late Wednesday that they had chosen Jadiriyah, near Baghdad University, as the gathering place.&nbsp;

That, in turn, has sparked worry that angry crowds could attack the presidential palace or the high-security Green Zone, home to the US embassy and other foreign missions.&nbsp;

The move would not be without precedent for Sadr, who urged followers to storm the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-rockets-crash-into-iraqs-green-zone-no-casualties-reported-273079">Green Zone</a> in 2016 in a challenge to the government over undelivered reforms.&nbsp;

<img alt=" US troops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45d5c27d-bd48-479a-b18a-c3f5482b792a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_12.jpg" />

Sadr battled US forces at the head of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-firebrand-cleric-sadr-makes-comeback-in-vote-initial-results-suggest-136602">Mehdi Army militia</a> after the US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

He later branded himself a reformist and backed the recent anti-government protests when they erupted in October.

The firebrand cleric controls parliament's largest bloc and his followers hold top ministerial positions.&nbsp;

The 46-year-old is a notoriously fickle politician, known for switching alliances quickly.

"Some sides representing the October revolutionaries think Iran is solely responsible for Iraq's ruin and others represented by the Hashed or its supporters say America is the source of ruin," Obeidy said Wednesday.

"We believe that both are behind this ruin, and Sadr is trying to balance between the two."&nbsp;

Harith Hasan of the Carnegie Middle East Center said Sadr was trying to sustain his "multiple identities" by backing various protests.&nbsp;

"On the one hand, (he seeks to) position himself as the leader of a reform movement, as a populist, as anti-establishment," Hasan told AFP.

"On the other hand, he also wants to sustain his image as the leader of the resistance to the 'American occupation'," partly to win favour with Iran.

Sadr may also have domestic motivations, Hasan said.&nbsp;

"This protest will show Sadr is still the one able to mobilise large groups of people in the streets -- but it's also possible he wants other groups to respond by giving him more space to choose the prime minister."

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in Baghdad on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge.

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in Baghdad on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. The march has rattled the separate, months-old protest movement that has gripped the capital and the Shiite-majority south since October, demanding a government overhaul, early elections, and more accountability. In the early hours of Friday, thousands of men, women, and children of all ages massed under grey skies in the Jadiriyah district of east Baghdad. "Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!" The American military presence has been a hot-button issue in Iraq since a US drone strike killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad airport on January 3. Two days later, parliament voted for all foreign troops -- including some 5,200 US personnel -- to leave the country. The vote was non-binding and a senior US official said Thursday that Washington had yet to open talks with Baghdad on a troop pullout. "There has not been any real engagement," said ambassador James Jeffrey, the US special envoy for Syria and the coalition against the Islamic State group. But he added that operations against the jihadists had been on hold since the drone strike, which triggered retaliatory Iranian missile strikes targeting US troops in Iraq. "Coalition operations have been primarily on pause in Iraq as we focus on force protection and looking into the way forward with the Iraqi government," Jeffrey said. Long opposed to the US troop presence, Sadr seized on the public anger over the drone strike to call "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations". Several pro-Iran factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, usually rivals of Sadr, have backed his call and pledged to join. Preparations were in full swing as early as noon on Thursday, with additional checkpoints across Baghdad to secure the protest area and buses ferrying in people for the rally. But separate anti-government protesters, who have braved violence that has left 470 people dead since October, fear their cause could be eclipsed by Sadr's powerplay. "Sadr doesn't represent us," one teenager said defiantly late Thursday on a blocked-off thoroughfare in Baghdad. To head off Friday's gathering and ramp up pressure on authorities to enact reforms, young demonstrators blocked streets in Baghdad and across the south this week. When Sadr announced the rally last week, many feared he would hold it near Tahrir (Liberation) Square -- the main focus of the long-running protests. But his spokesman Saleh al-Obeidy said late Wednesday that they had chosen Jadiriyah, near Baghdad University, as the gathering place. That, in turn, has sparked worry that angry crowds could attack the presidential palace or the high-security Green Zone, home to the US embassy and other foreign missions. The move would not be without precedent for Sadr, who urged followers to storm the Green Zone in 2016 in a challenge to the government over undelivered reforms. Sadr battled US forces at the head of his Mehdi Army militia after the US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. He later branded himself a reformist and backed the recent anti-government protests when they erupted in October. The firebrand cleric controls parliament's largest bloc and his followers hold top ministerial positions. The 46-year-old is a notoriously fickle politician, known for switching alliances quickly. "Some sides representing the October revolutionaries think Iran is solely responsible for Iraq's ruin and others represented by the Hashed or its supporters say America is the source of ruin," Obeidy said Wednesday. "We believe that both are behind this ruin, and Sadr is trying to balance between the two." Harith Hasan of the Carnegie Middle East Center said Sadr was trying to sustain his "multiple identities" by backing various protests. "On the one hand, (he seeks to) position himself as the leader of a reform movement, as a populist, as anti-establishment," Hasan told AFP. "On the other hand, he also wants to sustain his image as the leader of the resistance to the 'American occupation'," partly to win favour with Iran. Sadr may also have domestic motivations, Hasan said. "This protest will show Sadr is still the one able to mobilise large groups of people in the streets -- but it's also possible he wants other groups to respond by giving him more space to choose the prime minister."

Thousands join anti-US rally in Baghdad, rattling rival protesters

The United States has resumed joint military operations with the Iraqi forces after a long pause due to risen tensions after the death of top Iranian general General Qassem Soleimani after a US drone strike conducted near Baghdad airport.

The American based newspaper quoted two US military officials who said the Pentagon wanted to resume these operations to pick up the fight against the Islamic State group.

The operations were halted, two days after the drone strike on January 5. Iran retaliated by attack two US army bases in Iraq with Ballistic Missiles.&nbsp;

Though Iran's media claimed 80 casualties, according to the Whitehouse no casualties were inflicted.

The attacks just resulted in further sanctions on Iran.

On the same day after the halt, Iraqi lawmakers passed a bill in the parliament to expel 5,000 US troops that are present in Iraq and Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi asked Whitehouse to work out a road map for the troop withdrawal. But the US rejected the bill.

Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Monday said that top Iraqi leaders still support the US troops despite public appeals to get rid of them.

He even, in fact, said that the forces were critical to the fight against the Islamic State group.

Pompeo said at a forum at Stanford University: "They won't say so publicly. But privately they all welcome the fact that America is still there executing its counter-terror campaign,".&nbsp;

The United States has resumed joint military operations with the Iraqi forces after a long pause due to risen tensions after the death of top Iranian general General Qassem Soleimani after a US drone strike conducted near Baghdad airport.

The United States has resumed joint military operations with the Iraqi forces after a long pause due to risen tensions after the death of top Iranian general General Qassem Soleimani after a US drone strike conducted near Baghdad airport. The American based newspaper quoted two US military officials who said the Pentagon wanted to resume these operations to pick up the fight against the Islamic State group. The operations were halted, two days after the drone strike on January 5. Iran retaliated by attack two US army bases in Iraq with Ballistic Missiles. Though Iran's media claimed 80 casualties, according to the Whitehouse no casualties were inflicted. The attacks just resulted in further sanctions on Iran. On the same day after the halt, Iraqi lawmakers passed a bill in the parliament to expel 5,000 US troops that are present in Iraq and Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi asked Whitehouse to work out a road map for the troop withdrawal. But the US rejected the bill. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Monday said that top Iraqi leaders still support the US troops despite public appeals to get rid of them. He even, in fact, said that the forces were critical to the fight against the Islamic State group. Pompeo said at a forum at Stanford University: "They won't say so publicly. But privately they all welcome the fact that America is still there executing its counter-terror campaign,".

US to resume joint military operations with Iraq to fight against IS

Washington&nbsp;on Friday spurned an&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;request to prepare to pull out its&nbsp;troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US&nbsp;killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-asks-us-to-send-delegation-and-set-up-mechanism-for-troop-pullout-273491">Qasem Soleimani</a>.

Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;and Tehran are also the&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;government's main allies and vie for influence there.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-curbs-trumps-war-power-amid-iran-tensions-273283">Donald Trump</a> said Iran had probably planned to attack the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US&nbsp;embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US&nbsp;drone strike.

"We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies."

Iraqi&nbsp;Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defense-chief-esper-denies-us-troop-pullout-from-iraq-after-leaked-letter-confusion-272596">Adel Abdul Mahdi</a> made his request for preparations for a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal in a phone&nbsp;call&nbsp;with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said.

Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission.

The State Department said any US&nbsp;delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate."

"There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US&nbsp;and&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/placating-turkey-trump-admin-says-doesnt-recognise-armenian-genocide-268796">Morgan Ortagus</a> said in a statement.

Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in."

He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account."

"I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said.

Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region".

Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-under-pressure-at-home-over-plane-crash-warns-iran-world-is-watching-273502">Francois‑Philippe Champagne</a> as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing".

The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US&nbsp;killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January&nbsp;3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US&nbsp;forces in Iraq.

In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense.

Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict.

Grand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-will-lead-to-the-strengthening-of-iranian-hardliners-272109">Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani</a> said it was&nbsp;Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate.

"The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making."

Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003.

At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US&nbsp;interests across the world were now exposed to threats.

Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its&nbsp;calls for US&nbsp;forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-missile-attack-news-iran-appears-to-be-standing-down-says-trump-273124">Ali Khamenei</a> has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US&nbsp;military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal.

Critics have&nbsp;called Soleimani's killing a reckless action.

But Pompeo said on Friday&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US&nbsp;embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk."

As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;militias to quash months of protests by&nbsp;Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States.

In&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-iran-can-india-play-peacemaker-273348">US-Iran conflict</a>.

Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters.

"Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US&nbsp;or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there. Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US troops in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General Qasem Soleimani. Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as Washington and Tehran are also the Iraqi government's main allies and vie for influence there. President Donald Trump said Iran had probably planned to attack the US embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike. "We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies." Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi made his request for preparations for a US troop withdrawal in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said. Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission. The State Department said any US delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US troops as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate." "There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US and Iraqi governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in." He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account." "I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said. Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in Washington on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region". Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister Francois‑Philippe Champagne as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing". The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January 3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US forces in Iraq. In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense. Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on Iraqi soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said it was Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate. "The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of Iraqi sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making." Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003. At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US interests across the world were now exposed to threats. Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its calls for US forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal. Critics have called Soleimani's killing a reckless action. But Pompeo said on Friday Washington had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk." As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian Iraqi militias to quash months of protests by Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States. In Iraqi cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a US-Iran conflict. Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters. "Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.

US-Iran tensions escalate as Washington refuses Tehran's request to remove troops

Three Katyusha rockets fell in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone housing government buildings and foreign missions, causing a fire, Iraqi police sources told Reuters. #WION #Iraq #Baghdad

3 Katyusha rockets hit Green Zone in Baghdad

Iran on Wednesday launched ballistic missile attacks on US bases&nbsp;in Iraq in retaliation to&nbsp;the US drone strike which killed Iranian commander General Qasem Soleimani, which has raised fears of a wider war in the&nbsp;Middle East. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Iran launched ballistic missile strikes on the US bases in Iraq. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-slain-general-soleimani-laid-to-rest-in-hometown-kerman-272814">Read More</a></li>
	<li>Donald Trump tweeted, "All is well!" after the Iran missile strikes.</li>
	<li>Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps confirmed that they fired the missiles in retaliation to General&nbsp;Qasem Soleimani's killing.</li>
	<li>US Federal Aviation Administration said it would ban US carriers from operating in Iraq&nbsp;airspace including in Iran as&nbsp;several Asian carriers said there were avoiding flying over the region.</li>
	<li>A stampede had broken&nbsp;out at the funeral of&nbsp;General&nbsp;Qasem Soleimani killing&nbsp;56 people and injuring&nbsp;more than 210.</li>
	<li>General Qasem Soleimani's burial which was postponed on Tuesday due to a stampede began on Wednesday at Kerman even as Iran fired missiles at US bases in Iraq.</li>
</ul>

Read More:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-iran-tensions-and-why-india-should-care-271967">US-Iran tensions and why India should care</a>

Read More:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-slain-general-soleimani-laid-to-rest-in-hometown-kerman-272814">Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman</a>

Watch Video:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-attacks-two-iraqi-bases-housing-us-troops-272826/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Iran on Wednesday launched ballistic missile attacks on US bases in Iraq in retaliation to the US drone strike which killed Iranian commander General Qasem Soleimani, which has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East.

Iran on Wednesday launched ballistic missile attacks on US bases in Iraq in retaliation to the US drone strike which killed Iranian commander General Qasem Soleimani, which has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Iran launched ballistic missile strikes on the US bases in Iraq. Read More Donald Trump tweeted, "All is well!" after the Iran missile strikes. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps confirmed that they fired the missiles in retaliation to General Qasem Soleimani's killing. US Federal Aviation Administration said it would ban US carriers from operating in Iraq airspace including in Iran as several Asian carriers said there were avoiding flying over the region. A stampede had broken out at the funeral of General Qasem Soleimani killing 56 people and injuring more than 210. General Qasem Soleimani's burial which was postponed on Tuesday due to a stampede began on Wednesday at Kerman even as Iran fired missiles at US bases in Iraq. Read More: US-Iran tensions and why India should care Read More: Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman Watch Video:

Latest updates on general Soleimani's killing: Iran launches ballistic missile strikes on US bases in Iraq

Post-Soleimani’s death, tensions have been escalating between Iran and the United States&nbsp;even as the funeral procession of slain Iran General Soleimani began in his hometown Kerman today. The Iranian general will be buried later on Tuesday.

<meta charset="utf-8" />

<ul>
	<li>Iran’s Quds Force Commander, Qasem Soleimani will be buried in his hometown, Kerman. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The three-day national funeral procession in Iran and Iraq will end today. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised "severe revenge". 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Mourners shouted ‘revenge’ during the national funeral procession observed in Soleimani’s death. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Addressing the crowd during a funeral procession on Monday, Soleimani’s daughter, Zeinab Soleimani, called&nbsp;US President ‘Crazy Trump and added, "Don’t think everything is over",&nbsp;and promised "dark days"&nbsp;for the US in the days ahead.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The Tehran government said it will roll back from the international nuclear accord. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Saudi’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal, said,&nbsp;“It is certainly a very dangerous moment." 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>President Donald Trump tweeted, "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" over Iran’s announcement on Uranium extraction.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1214197038063243266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<ul>
	<li>Amid rising global tensions, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern and called for ‘maximum restraint’.</li>
</ul>

Watch:&nbsp;Soleimani to be buried today in Iranian hometown

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/soleimani-to-be-buried-today-in-iranian-hometown-272599/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

 
Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-criticises-russia-china-at-un-over-failure-to-condemn-baghdad-embassy-attack-272600">US criticises Russia, China at UN over failure to condemn Baghdad embassy attack</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-trump-as-tehran-mourns-suleimani-272585">Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reaches-out-to-countries-in-west-asia-amid-us-iran-tensions-272367">India reaches out to countries in West Asia amid US-Iran tensions</a>

(With Inputs from AFP)

Post-Soleimani’s death, tensions have been escalating between Iran and the United States even as the funeral procession of slain Iran General Soleimani began in his hometown Kerman today.

Post-Soleimani’s death, tensions have been escalating between Iran and the United States even as the funeral procession of slain Iran General Soleimani began in his hometown Kerman today. The Iranian general will be buried later on Tuesday. Iran’s Quds Force Commander, Qasem Soleimani will be buried in his hometown, Kerman. The three-day national funeral procession in Iran and Iraq will end today. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised "severe revenge". Mourners shouted ‘revenge’ during the national funeral procession observed in Soleimani’s death. Addressing the crowd during a funeral procession on Monday, Soleimani’s daughter, Zeinab Soleimani, called US President ‘Crazy Trump and added, "Don’t think everything is over", and promised "dark days" for the US in the days ahead. The Tehran government said it will roll back from the international nuclear accord. Saudi’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal, said, “It is certainly a very dangerous moment." President Donald Trump tweeted, "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" over Iran’s announcement on Uranium extraction. IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2020 × Amid rising global tensions, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern and called for ‘maximum restraint’. Watch: Soleimani to be buried today in Iranian hometown × Read More: US criticises Russia, China at UN over failure to condemn Baghdad embassy attack Read More: Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani Read More: India reaches out to countries in West Asia amid US-Iran tensions (With Inputs from AFP)

Latest updates on Iran general Qasem Soleimani's killing: Funeral procession begins in Kerman

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">White&nbsp;House</a>&nbsp;sent to Congress on Saturday&nbsp;formal&nbsp;notification of Friday's US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strike&nbsp;that killed a top Iranian general,&nbsp;amid&nbsp;complaints&nbsp;from&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;that President Donald Trump did not notify&nbsp;lawmakers&nbsp;or seek advance approval for the attack.

The US&nbsp;strike&nbsp;that killed Iranian military commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">Qassem Soleimani</a> in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;has caused a dramatic rise in tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies.

The classified notification was sent under a 1973 US&nbsp;law called the War Powers Act, which requires the administration to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action or imminent actions.

White&nbsp;House&nbsp;national security adviser <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-for-positive-offensive-measures-to-ensure-safety-270976">Robert O'Brien</a> confirmed the&nbsp;notice&nbsp;had been sent and told Fox News on Saturday there were numerous legal grounds for the attack. He said Justice Department lawyers had signed off on the plan.

"This was an absolute legal operation," O'Brien said. "We feel very good about the legal basis for this military operation."

House&nbsp;of Representatives Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasurys-mnuchin-to-head-us-delegation-to-davos-conclave-271625">Nancy Pelosi</a>, a Democrat, said it raised more questions than it answered.

"This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran," Pelosi said in a statement.

She said the "highly unusual" decision to classify the entire document compounded her concerns and "suggests that the Congress and the American people are being left in the dark about our national security."

A senior Democratic aide described the notification as "brief and insufficient."

In the notification, Trump's administration was expected to have explained the circumstances, the authority under which the action was taken and the expected scope and duration of the military involvement. The&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;declined to comment.

Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-labour-party-must-talk-values-to-win-back-the-asian-community-270978">Bernie Sanders</a>, a contender for the Democratic nomination to run against Trump in November's presidential election, said on Saturday that Congress must take immediate steps to restrain the president "from&nbsp;plunging our nation into yet another endless war."

Senator Elizabeth Warren, another Democratic presidential candidate, told reporters on Saturday that Trump has taken the United States "to the brink of war" and called his actions "reckless. He evidently has no plan."

Pelosi has said the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">Baghdad</a> was conducted without specific authorization&nbsp;from&nbsp;Congress and "without the consultation of the Congress."

On Saturday she described the administration's military engagement as "provocative, escalatory and disproportionate" and said it put US&nbsp;citizens, troops and their allies in danger.

The Pentagon on Friday briefed staff members&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;House&nbsp;Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on the attack.

On Friday, Democratic US&nbsp;Senator Tim Kaine introduced a resolution to force a debate and vote in Congress to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran.

Republicans in Congress have generally backed Trump's action. Senate Majority Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasurys-mnuchin-to-head-us-delegation-to-davos-conclave-271625">Mitch McConnell</a> said on Friday that "no man alive was more directly responsible for the deaths of more American service members than Qassem Soleimani."

The White House sent to Congress on Saturday formal notification of Friday's US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, amid complaints from Democrats that President Donald Trump did not notify lawmakers or seek advance approval for the attack.

The White House sent to Congress on Saturday formal notification of Friday's US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, amid complaints from Democrats that President Donald Trump did not notify lawmakers or seek advance approval for the attack. The US strike that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq has caused a dramatic rise in tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies. The classified notification was sent under a 1973 US law called the War Powers Act, which requires the administration to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action or imminent actions. White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien confirmed the notice had been sent and told Fox News on Saturday there were numerous legal grounds for the attack. He said Justice Department lawyers had signed off on the plan. "This was an absolute legal operation," O'Brien said. "We feel very good about the legal basis for this military operation." House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said it raised more questions than it answered. "This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran," Pelosi said in a statement. She said the "highly unusual" decision to classify the entire document compounded her concerns and "suggests that the Congress and the American people are being left in the dark about our national security." A senior Democratic aide described the notification as "brief and insufficient." In the notification, Trump's administration was expected to have explained the circumstances, the authority under which the action was taken and the expected scope and duration of the military involvement. The White House declined to comment. Senator Bernie Sanders, a contender for the Democratic nomination to run against Trump in November's presidential election, said on Saturday that Congress must take immediate steps to restrain the president "from plunging our nation into yet another endless war." Senator Elizabeth Warren, another Democratic presidential candidate, told reporters on Saturday that Trump has taken the United States "to the brink of war" and called his actions "reckless. He evidently has no plan." Pelosi has said the strike in Baghdad was conducted without specific authorization from Congress and "without the consultation of the Congress." On Saturday she described the administration's military engagement as "provocative, escalatory and disproportionate" and said it put US citizens, troops and their allies in danger. The Pentagon on Friday briefed staff members from the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on the attack. On Friday, Democratic US Senator Tim Kaine introduced a resolution to force a debate and vote in Congress to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran. Republicans in Congress have generally backed Trump's action. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Friday that "no man alive was more directly responsible for the deaths of more American service members than Qassem Soleimani."

White House gives lawmakers formal notice of Iraq strike amid complaints from Democrats

How people in Iraq mourn death of Qasem Soleimani

A Katyusha rocket fell near the United States Embassy in the heavily fortified Green Zone of Baghdad that had government buildings and foreign missions on Saturday but no casualties were reported. #Katyusha #US #Iran #Baghdad #USEmbassy #WION

Missile attack near U.S. embassy in Baghdad, no casualties reported

Some commercial airlines have suspended flights to Baghdad following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-contributed-to-plotting-terror-attacks-in-new-delhi-london-trump-272027">US airstrikes at the Baghdad International Airport</a>.

According to reports, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian were the two such airlines that halted services to Baghdad citing security concerns.&nbsp;

In a statement, Gulf Air said that flight services to and from Baghdad and Iraq's Najaf have been suspended until further notice due to safety and security issues.

The airlines said that it will continue "to monitor the security situation in Iraq, where the safety and security of passengers and crew is its top priority".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
TRAVEL ALERT: Flights to and from Baghdad and Najaf in the Republic of Iraq have suspended until further notice due to safety and security issues.
— Gulf Air (@GulfAir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulfAir/status/1213128359284269056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Royal Jordanian continues its operation to other Iraqi regions except to Baghdad.&nbsp;

Domestic operators like Iraqi Airways, UR Airline and Fly Baghdad are operating air services as usual.&nbsp;

The development comes after US-led airstrikes at Baghdad International Airport on January 3 killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani.&nbsp;

Soleimani headed Iran's elite military force, the Quds, for over two decades and was one of the top influential people in Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Some commercial airlines have suspended flights to Baghdad following the US airstrikes at the Baghdad International Airport. According to reports, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian were the two such airlines that halted services to Baghdad citing security concerns.

Some commercial airlines have suspended flights to Baghdad following the US airstrikes at the Baghdad International Airport. According to reports, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian were the two such airlines that halted services to Baghdad citing security concerns. In a statement, Gulf Air said that flight services to and from Baghdad and Iraq's Najaf have been suspended until further notice due to safety and security issues. The airlines said that it will continue "to monitor the security situation in Iraq, where the safety and security of passengers and crew is its top priority". TRAVEL ALERT: Flights to and from Baghdad and Najaf in the Republic of Iraq have suspended until further notice due to safety and security issues. — Gulf Air (@GulfAir) January 3, 2020 × Royal Jordanian continues its operation to other Iraqi regions except to Baghdad. Domestic operators like Iraqi Airways, UR Airline and Fly Baghdad are operating air services as usual. The development comes after US-led airstrikes at Baghdad International Airport on January 3 killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani headed Iran's elite military force, the Quds, for over two decades and was one of the top influential people in Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Royal Jordanian, Gulf Air suspend flights to Baghdad after US strikes kill top Iran commander Soleimani 

Soleimani's killing: How was the operation carried out and what are the consequences?

baghdad

Baghdad, News on Baghdad, stories on Baghdad, articles on Baghdad, Baghdad stories at Wion, Baghdad news, Baghdad latest news