US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday (Nov 5) during his surprise visit to Iraq, condemned the recent attacks on American troops.
“I made very clear that attacks or threats coming from militias that are aligned with Iran are totally unacceptable. And we will take every necessary step to protect our people,” Blinken said.
His visit to Baghdad came after a series of attacks targeting bases hosting US troops in were reported in Iraq.
During his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, he asserted that his country would take all the necessary measures to safeguard his people.
“We will take every necessary step to protect our people,” he said.
Attacks on US troops
Washington has condemned Iran for its involvement in the attacks which have targeted American troops in Syria as well.
Most of the attacks have been claimed by a group known as “Islamic Resistance in Iraq”, according to Telegram channels affiliated with Iraqi factions close to Tehran.
Between a period of October 17 to November 3, a total of 17 attacks were reported in Iraq whereas 12 occurred in Syria, as per figures released by the Pentagon on Friday (Oct 3).
Around 2,500 American troops deployed in Iraq, have been assigned the task to advise their Iraqi counterparts in their fight against the Islamic State group.
Sudani condemns attacks
The Iraqi prime minister condemned the attacks targeting US troops and said that a probe was underway to find out the ones behind it.
He also reiterated his calls for a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza during his meeting with Blinken and described the Israeli counter-offensive as a “genocide” against the Palestinian people.
He further underlined “the urgency of containing the crisis and preventing its spread”, a statement from his office said.
(With inputs from agencies)
