Islamic Resistance Coordination Committee in Iraq threaten retaliation 'without limits' against US and Israel

The Islamic Resistance Coordination Committee in Iraq has issued a stern warning, pledging "unlimited retaliation" against the United States if it carries out further attacks on Iraqi militant factions or uses Iraqi airspace for strikes against Iran.

This threat has intensified the already tense situation, as Iraq braces for a possible US response to last week's rocket attack on Ain al-Asad base, which injured several US soldiers. The attack was claimed by a newly-formed armed group called "Al-Thawiroun (The Revolutionaries)".

The escalation follows a phone conversation between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where both sides emphasised the need for de-escalation and efforts to prevent the conflict from widening.

In a statement released early on Monday, the Coordination Committee accused the US of violating Iraqi sovereignty and prioritising Israel's security over regional stability. The group asserted that it would not adhere to any restrictions if US forces continued their operations, warning that their response would be "without limits."

Meanwhile, Harakat al-Nujaba, another Iranian-aligned Iraqi faction, announced its intent to participate in military retaliation following the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah's Fouad Shukr. Ali al-Asadi, the head of the Harakat al-Nujaba's political council emphasised in an interview with a local Iraqi television channel that while Iraq is striving to avoid becoming a battlefield, external forces are pushing it towards conflict.

In response to these threats, US-led coalition forces in Iraq have heightened security at key installations, including Ain al-Asad base, Camp Victory near Baghdad Airport, and Harir Air Base in Erbil.

As tensions rise, the situation remains volatile, with both sides prepared for the possibility of further conflict.