Iraq Airspace Dispute: Militias Log 171 US Flights Since Coalition Exit

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization of Iran-backed militias, released a report detailing 171 entries of US military aircraft into Iraqi airspace.

The group stated that US fighter jets and reconnaissance planes crossed the border between September 30 and October 23, a period that began the day after the US-led anti-ISIS coalition formally ended its military mission in the country.

The militias did not provide independent verification for the count, but they accused the United States of ignoring national sovereignty while maintaining a heavy air presence.

The report criticizes the Iraqi government for reducing commercial flights and closing border crossings with Iran under pressure from Washington.

The accusations arrive as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi attempts to consolidate state control over armed factions, a process that has faced resistance from powerful groups.

Zaidi extended the deadline for militia disarmament to June 30, 2027, stating in an interview with Iraqi state media that no weapons should remain outside the state framework by that date.

Factions are divided on the policy, with Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba opposing the initiative while Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate.

The dispute occurs alongside a new US State Department travel advisory that warns of rising threats from Iran-backed groups and the Houthi movement.

The advisory, published on October 23, maintains a warning against all travel to Iraq and notes that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of US citizens against sudden violence.

The State Department cited the potential for rapid escalation in regional hostilities, particularly regarding Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure.

US intelligence officials also warned that Iran is increasing efforts to target American diplomats, with some plots reportedly in advanced stages according to a memorandum from National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton.

Zaidi reiterated his goal of creating a state free of external factions, saying weapons will be exclusively in the hands of Iraqi security forces in the near future.