Islamic Resistance in Iraq Statement: Government Given Deadline to Respond to U.S

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has issued an official statement following what it described as a U.S. attack targeting members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and a service convoy assisting pilgrims traveling to Karbala for the Arbaeen commemoration. The incident reportedly resulted in dozens of people killed and wounded. The statement also accused the Saudi government of acting on behalf of the United States.

• Condemnation of the Attack

The statement strongly condemned the recent U.S. strike targeting the PMF and a service convoy for Arbaeen pilgrims in the holy city of Karbala, which it said caused dozens of casualties. It accused the Saudi government of being involved and serving as an intelligence proxy for Washington.

• Questioning the Government’s Role

The resistance questioned whether the Iraqi government would be capable of deterring aggressors and defending Iraq’s sovereignty and the blood of its people if the resistance were to surrender its weapons to the state, as some officials have demanded.

• Deadline Given to the Government

The statement granted Iraqi authorities calling for the disarmament of the resistance a deadline until the 23rd of Safar to demonstrate, through practical action, their ability to protect the country and respond to the recent attack.

• Position on Retaliation

The resistance reaffirmed that retaliation against the U.S. attack is inevitable but announced that it would temporarily postpone any response out of concern for the safety of Arbaeen pilgrims and to avoid disrupting the religious commemorations. It added that U.S. assets or allies in Saudi Arabia could become targets if circumstances require.