Islamic Resistance in Iraq (2020–present)
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI; Arabic: المقاومة الإسلامية في العراق, romanized: al-Moqawamat al-Islamiat fi al-Iraq) is an umbrella term for pro-Iran Shia Islamist insurgent groups in Iraq which has been described as a generic brand or network of ideologically similar groups backed by Iran rather than a group in itself.
| Islamic Resistance in Iraq al-Moqawamat al-Islamiat fi al-Iraq | |
|---|---|
| المقاومة الإسلامية في العراق | |
| Leaders | Ahmad al-Hamidawi Akram al-Kaabi Qais Khazali Abu Ala al-Walai |
| Dates of operation | 2020 – present |
| Group(s) | See groups |
| Ideology | Iraqi nationalism Shia Islamism Khomeinism Anti-Americanism Anti-Zionism |
| Size | 70,000 |
| Part of | Axis of Resistance |
| Allies | Iran Syria Popular Mobilization Forces Hezbollah Houthi movement Hamas Palestinian Islamic Jihad |
| Opponents | United States Israel Saudi Arabia Peshmerga Islamic State White Flags Syrian Democratic Forces |
| Battles and wars | Attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria (2023–present) 2023 Israel–Hamas war Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–present) |
In October 2023, the IRI began launching rockets and drones at U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan and Syria, causing minor injuries to American servicemen until a drone attack killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan on 28 January 2024. The IRI has attacked Israel with multiple drones and missiles. Brain injuries were the most cited medical result of the five dozen attacks on U.S. forces and have initiated diplomatic efforts by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and more directly by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani on a visit to Tehran.