Militia

United States faces crossroads in Iraq as new prime minister is appointed - analysis

However, as the US seeks to put on a positive face regarding the incoming prime minister, the US is also announcing new rewards for information on several key Iraqi militia leaders.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A boy holds an Iraqi flag near the Iranian embassy during a gathering following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, in Baghdad, Iraq, April 8, 2026.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz attends an event for outstanding soldiers as part of Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebrations in Jerusalem on April 20, 2026.

Israel prepared to renew Iran war, awaiting 'green light' from Trump, Katz says

Katz noted that the IDF was awaiting the green light from the US, adding that future attacks would be "different and deadly," targeting "the most painful places."

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Kermanshah, Iran on January 8, 2026.

Iran relying on Pakistani, Middle East militias in efforts to curb renewed protests, expert says

The regime appears to be trying to prevent a widespread outbreak of protests by reinforcing its presence on the ground, according to Effi Banai, a lecturer and researcher of social networks.

|By103FM
Iraqi security forces sit on vehicles at a street after an attack by a drone strike on an Iran-backed militia headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq January 4, 2024.

Why the US is standing up to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq - analysis

The US-Iran talks are now tied to wider regional issues. For instance, Iran wanted a ceasefire in Lebanon. The US wants to see Iranian support for proxies ended.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Airstrikes target pro-Iranian militias in eastern Syria - report

A number of casualties among pro-Iranian militias were reported by local media outlets.

MAY 7, 2022ByTZVI JOFFRE
Smoke rises after airstrikes on a rebel-held part of the southern city of Deraa, Syria, June 15, 2017 (illustrative).

West Darfur fighting spreads to capital city El Geneina - residents

The latest fighting began with an altercation on Thursday between members of different tribes, according to rights groups active in the area.

APRIL 25, 2022ByREUTERS
A landscape view of El Geneina town, the capital of West Darfur. The town is known for having plenty of greenery, a strategic geographical location and overarching unity among the local communities, which has led to the development of a vibrant economy and social cohesion.

Five times Iran used Iraqi militias to conduct drone attacks - analysis

Iran has recently established even closer ties with Iraqi militias and is now using them to attack Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other states.  

FEBRUARY 4, 2022BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Missiles are launched during a joint exercise called the 'Great Prophet 17', in the southwest of Iran, December 24, 2021. Picture taken December 24, 2021.

What will happen to Iraq when the US withdraws? - opinion

An ISIS resurgence is just one scenario out of four.

JANUARY 6, 2022BySARDAR SATTAR
SUPPORTERS OF Muqtada Al-Sadr’s movement celebrate after Iraq’s Supreme Court ratified the results of the parliamentary election last month.

US, UK, Israel should help form an Arab NATO - opinion

The US and UK helped Islamic militias flourish in the MENA region; they can help defeat them now.

JANUARY 3, 2022ByHASAN ISMAIK
US PRESIDENT Joe Biden gestures as he delivers remarks at the White House in July on the administration’s drawdown efforts in Afghanistan.

Is Iran behind the drone attack against Iraqi PM? - analysis

The attack on Iraq’s Prime Minister is another step in drone warfare and is a message by pro-Iran groups in Iraq that the prime minister is not safe.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Supporters of Iraqi Shiite armed groups burn portraits of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi and Iraq security officials during a protest against the election results near the one of the fortified Green Zone entrances in Baghdad, Iraq, November 6, 2021.

Low turnout a tragedy for Iraq elections

Iraq's elections turnout is steadily sinking with 40% on Sunday compared 60% in 2014.

OCTOBER 11, 2021BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A voter hands a ballot paper to a poll worker at a polling station, as Iraqis go to the polls to vote in the parliamentary election, in Mosul, Iraq October 10, 2021.

Will pro-Iranian militias in Iraq work more with Palestinians?

Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq may want to transfer weapons and threats closer to the border with Israel.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim men from the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah wave the party's flags as they walk along a street painted in the colours of the Israeli flag during a parade marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in Baghdad

Iran training terror groups to operate advanced UAVs

Terrorists from Iraq, Syria and Yemen are being trained at Kashan Base north of Isfahan.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2021ByANNA AHRONHEIM
An aerial image of the Kashan base where Iran is training militias to fly unmanned aerial vehicles.

Taliban retake three northern districts seized by Afghan militias

Bano, Deh Saleh, Pul e-Hesar in Baghlan province were taken by local militia groups in one of the first signs of armed resistance to the Taliban since their seizure of the capital Kabul on August 15.

AUGUST 23, 2021ByREUTERS
Former Mujahideen hold weapons to support Afghan forces in their fight against Taliban, on the outskirts of Herat province, Afghanistan July 10, 2021.