Tag: Iraq

Pompeo sees ‘real likelihood’ Iran will try to hit US troops

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that Iran will probably try to attack American troops after a US strike killed a top Iranian commander. “We think there is a real likelihood Iran will make a mistake and make a decision to go after some of our forces, military forces in Iraq or soldiers in northeast Syria,” he told Fox News in remarks aired Sunday. His comments came as […]

AFP tasked to evacuate Filipinos in Iran, Iraq should “open hostilities” break out — DND

(Eagle News)-President Rodrigo Duterte has tasked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to evacuate Filipinos in Iran and Iraq should hostilities break out amid rising tensions with the United States. This is according to the Department of National Defense itself, which issued a statement after President Duterte summoned high-ranking military and intelligence officials to determine the course of action, if needed, following the killing of top Iran military official Qassam Soleimani reportedly by the US […]

EU invites Iranian foreign minister to Brussels

  BRUSSELS, Belgium (AFP) — Iran’s foreign minister has been invited to Brussels, the European Union said Sunday, urging a “de-escalation of tensions” in the Gulf after US air strikes that killed a top Iranian general. The EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell made the offer to Mohammad Javad Zarif during a telephone call this weekend, a press release said. “Borrell invited the Iranian Foreign Minister to Brussels to continue their engagement on these matters,” […]

Iraqi MPs to meet on US troop ouster after Soleimani killing

  BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFP) — Iraq’s parliament was expected to vote Sunday on ousting US troops from military bases, which are threatened by pro-Tehran factions after an American strike killed top Iranian and Iraqi commanders. Late Saturday, missiles slammed into the Baghdad enclave where the US embassy is located and an airbase north of the capital where American troops are deployed, prompting US President Donald Trump to threaten strikes on 52 sites in Iran. The […]

New air strike on pro-Iran convoy in Iraq ahead of Soleimani funeral

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFP)–A fresh air strike hit pro-Iran fighters in Iraq early Saturday, as fears grew of a proxy war erupting between Washington and Tehran a day after an American drone strike killed a top Iranian general. It came hours ahead of a planned a mourning march for Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary heavyweight Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, slain in a precision drone strike by the US in Baghdad on Friday. The […]

DFA advises Filipinos in Iraq to prepare in case an evacuation is necessary

(Eagle News)–The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Filipinos  in Iraq to prepare in case an evacuation is needed. The DFA issued the advisory amid heightening tensions between Iran and the United States, following the US assassination of top Iranian commander Qassim Suleimani in Baghdad. “Filipinos in Iraq are strongly advised to coordinate closely with the Philippine Embassy and their employers in the event mandatory evacuation will be necessary,” the DFA said. The DFA also […]

Iraqi force says, ‘US strike’ killed top Iran, Iraq commanders at Baghdad airport

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFP) — Top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US strike on Baghdad’s international airport on Friday, Iraq’s powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force has said, in a dramatic escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran. The Hashed’s deputy chief was also killed in the attack, the force added, which comes after a pro-Iran mob this week laid siege to the US embassy following deadly American airstrikes on a hardline Hashed faction. […]

8 killed in rocket attack on Baghdad airport: Iraqi security sources

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFP) — At least eight people were killed in a rocket attack on Baghdad airport, Iraqi security sources said Friday, days after a pro-Iran mob laid siege to the American embassy. “Three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad,” said a statement from the Iraqi military, adding that two cars exploded. At least eight people died, added a security official who asked to remain anonymous. © Agence France-Presse

US hits pro-Iran group with deadly strikes in Iraq, Syria

Baghdad, Iraq (AFP) — The US carried out air strikes against a pro-Iran militant group in Iraq  Sunday, killing 19 fighters, two days after a rocket attack that killed an American civilian contractor. A few hours after the strikes, four rockets exploded near a base housing US troops close to Iraq’s capital without wounding anyone, an Iraqi security official told AFP. The US strikes, which also hit Syria, came after a barrage of 30 or more rockets […]

Thousands protest in Iraq as deadline for new PM looms

  DIWANIYAH, Iraq (AFP) — Thousands of protesters blocked roads and public buildings in southern Iraq Sunday, as the latest deadline for choosing a new prime minister loomed. Anti-government rallies have rocked Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south since October 1, with demonstrators calling for a complete overhaul of a regime they deem corrupt and inefficient. “The revolution continues!” shouted one demonstrator at a protest encampment in central Diwaniyah. Protesters blocked off public buildings one by […]

Iraq’s embattled PM bows out as protesters mourn dead

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFP) — The government of Iraq’s Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi ended Sunday after two months of violent unrest that has left more than 420 people dead and thousands mourning them in nationwide marches. As anti-government demonstrators across the strife-torn country massed to honor the fallen activists, parliament met to accept the resignation which the 77-year-old had offered two days before. While Abdel Mahdi stays on initially to lead a caretaker government, President […]

Iraq’s deadly unrest closes roads, schools across south

KARBALA, Iraq (AFP) — Iraqi anti-government protesters blocked roads in the country’s south with burning tires on Wednesday, like schools and public offices stayed shut a day after deadly clashes with security forces. The country has been rocked by the biggest wave of protests since the 2003 US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein, leaving more than 350 people dead and around 15,000 wounded since early October. Violence had erupted in the southern holy city of Karbala […]