Iraqi forces on high alert as Iran-aligned factions' deadline for response to US-Saudi strikes expires

Iraqi authorities have heightened security measures nationwide as a deadline imposed by Iran-aligned militia groups expires in one week. The Iraqi military and counter-terrorism officials convened on Thursday to pledge their commitment to preventing Iraq from becoming a conduit for threats against any nation. Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi, who oversees the Armed Forces, escalated the security level throughout the country, mirroring the one-week window set by the militant factions to retaliate against US and Saudi strikes.

These strikes targeted their strongholds, originally claimed to be launched from Iraqi soil by Riyadh and Washington. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a prominent militia group, requested a postponement of their response, urging fighters to "bite the wound for the greater good of Iraq." The group's leader, Hadi Al Ameri, made this demand in a video statement.

Intelligence reports suggest that the Houthis and Iraqi militia groups, possibly collaborating with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, might target civilian sites in the near future. Saudi Arabia reported 11 civilians injured in a Houthi attack on Thursday, suspecting coordination with Yemen's Houthis. Iraq acknowledged civilian casualties in the US-Saudi strikes but pledged an investigation.

Simultaneously, a group of political parties issued a stern warning, stating that non-compliance with the September 30 disarmament deadline could lead to terrorism charges. The government published the counter-terrorism law, emphasizing rigorous enforcement against violators after the deadline. Only three groups have integrated into the security forces, while others still resist.