Iraq raids drone-manufacturing plant as pressure mounts to curb militia attacks

Iraqi authorities have dismantled a drone-manufacturing facility in Baghdad, seizing 25 drone frames and related equipment, according to a government spokesman on Thursday. The operation, described as one of the largest this year, was conducted following "precise intelligence efforts and judicial approval." Three individuals were arrested during the raid, which aimed to curb the proliferation of drones used by Iran-backed militias for attacks in Iraq and the region.

The investigation now targets another site, with officials refusing to disclose further details. These commercially adapted UAVs and larger, one-way "suicide" drones are inexpensive, difficult to detect, and can be assembled in improvised workshops, posing a significant threat to US bases, diplomatic missions, and targets in Gulf states, Jordan, and Syria.

The raids come as Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi orders the creation of a new desert command to protect borders from drone attacks, following recent US-Saudi strikes on Iranian-backed militia bases. The pressure on Al Zaidi to rein in armed factions operating outside state control has intensified, with the US urging Baghdad to act to ensure regional stability and secure its relations with Gulf countries, while also addressing the disarmament of militias holding weapons linked to these attacks.