Islamic Resistance in Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI; Arabic: المقاومة الإسلامية في العراق, romanized: al-Moqawamat al-Islamiat fi al-Iraq) is a network of Iranian-backed Shia Islamist insurgent groups in Iraq. It is an umbrella term or generic name used by these groups when carrying out attacks against American and allied forces in the region.
| Islamic Resistance in Iraq al-Moqawamat al-Islamiat fi al-Iraq IRI | |
|---|---|
| المقاومة الإسلامية في العراق | |
| Leaders | Ahmad al-Hamidawi Akram al-Kaabi Qais Khazali Abu Ala al-Walai |
| Group(s) | See groups |
| Ideology | Shia Islamism Khomeinism Anti-Americanism Anti-Zionism Anti-imperialism |
| Size | 70,000 |
| Part of | Axis of Resistance |
| Allies | Iran Russia Syria Yemen (SPC) Hezbollah Houthi movement Hamas Palestinian Islamic Jihad |
| Opponents | United States Israel Jordan |
| Battles and wars | Attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria (2023–present) Israel–Hamas war Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–present) 2024 Iranian strikes in Israel |
In October 2023, the IRI began launching rockets and drones at U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan and Syria, causing minor injuries to American servicemen until a drone attack killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan on 28 January 2024. Since November 2023, the IRI has attacked Israel with multiple drones and missiles. Brain injuries were the most cited medical result of the five dozen attacks on U.S. forces and have initiated diplomatic efforts by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and more directly by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani on a visit to Tehran.