All articles tagged with #militias
Post-war Gaza is witnessing a rise in small armed militias, some backed by Israel, vying for influence and challenging Hamas's control, leading to increased instability and potential for civil conflict in the territory.
Iraq's upcoming election is likely to maintain political stability but may result in militias retaining significant influence, as evidenced by militia posters and figures like Qais al-Khazali present near university campuses in Baghdad.
Iran-backed militias in Iraq are preparing for potential conflict with Israel, with Iranian officials warning of imminent attacks and emphasizing readiness for escalation. Despite recent limited strikes, these militias have supported Iran's stance against Israel and the US, and Iran is reportedly planning for further conflict, especially amid tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.
The Iranian 'Ring of Fire' around Israel, comprising militias and terror groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, is weakening due to military setbacks and regional political changes, raising questions about its future threat level.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is arming militias in southern Gaza opposed to Hamas, a move that has faced internal criticism and has impacted humanitarian aid efforts, including the suspension of aid distribution by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation amid ongoing conflict and blockade.
Iranian-backed militias, including Iraq's Katiab Hezbollah and Fatemiyoun groups, have crossed from Iraq into Syria to support Syrian army forces in northern Syria. These reinforcements aim to bolster the Syrian army's efforts against insurgents, as reported by Syrian army sources.
Former President Donald Trump has announced plans for a large-scale roundup of immigrants, which has prompted militia groups to remain on alert but not actively engage. This development raises concerns about the potential for increased tensions and the role of non-governmental groups in immigration enforcement.
Militias along the US-Mexico border are preparing to assist with Donald Trump's proposed mass deportation plans, seeing themselves as potential allies to federal and military forces. Groups like Arizona Border Recon and Veterans on Patrol are ready to continue their vigilante activities, using high-tech surveillance and armed patrols. These groups, often operating with impunity, have a history of controversial actions and rhetoric, and some members hope to be officially deputized under Trump's administration to aid in enforcing hardline immigration policies.
Roadblocks are being set up in Russia's Belgorod region, with restricted entry into border areas and plans for a "visiting procedure" for residential buildings due to intensified shelling. The regional authorities are distributing free food kits, waiving utility bills, and relocating 1,200 children to other regions. Intercepted conversations and social media posts indicate a significant number of residents evacuating, as the area resembles a front-line city with frequent explosions.
Five commanders of Iranian-backed militias, including a Hezbollah commander, were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Syria, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reporting three explosions and the presence of unidentified aircraft in Dier-ez-Zor. Iran's militias in Syria have targeted Israeli and American forces, leading to ongoing conflict in the region, and recent reports indicate that Iran has reduced its deployment of Revolutionary Guards Corps officers in Syria due to Israeli strikes.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti is in the grip of escalating violence as gangs attack key infrastructure and the last remnants of the Haitian state, leading to widespread fear, mistrust, and anger among residents. Vigilante groups, such as the bwa kale movement, have formed to defend their neighborhoods, but their actions have also led to extrajudicial executions. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, living in overcrowded and resource-strained camps, while the city's social fabric is fraying. With the elite vying for power and the international community hesitant to intervene, the situation in Haiti remains dire, with insecurity and trauma affecting everyone.
Pro-Kyiv militias, comprised of Russian citizens, launched an incursion into Russia's Kursk region, prompting calls for civilian evacuations and warnings of drone attacks. The militias claimed to have captured and destroyed ammunition storage sites, while Russian forces, including the National Guard, were reported to be repelling the attacks. The neighboring Belgorod region also came under attack, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
The U.S. drone strike killing Kataib Hezbollah commander Abu Baqir al-Saadi in Baghdad has sparked wider repercussions on the future of the U.S. military presence in Iraq, with Iraq's government condemning the strike as an attack on its sovereignty. The ongoing hostilities between Iran-backed militias and the United States have led to calls for disbanding the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq, potentially hastening the departure of U.S. forces from the country. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Iran-backed militias in the region and their attacks on U.S. targets, as well as the broader conflict between the U.S. and Iran on Iraqi soil.
Esmail Qaani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, visited Baghdad and urged Iran-aligned militias to refrain from attacking US troops in order to avoid heavy US retaliation, leading to a pause in attacks. This move is seen as an attempt by Iran to prevent a broader conflict and demonstrates its influence over Iraqi armed groups. The Iraqi government, seeking to prevent further escalation, has also requested Iran's help in reining in the militias. Talks between Iraq and the United States about ending the US presence in Iraq have resumed following the lull in hostilities, with both sides preferring negotiations over attacks.
Recent U.S. airstrikes in Syria and Iraq targeting Iran-backed militias have sparked backlash in Iraq, with many viewing them as an assault on the country's sovereignty and stability. The strikes have put pressure on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to confront the United States and accelerate negotiations for a military withdrawal. The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining a security partnership with Baghdad while dealing with fallout from the conflict in Gaza and attacks from groups aligned with the Iraqi government.