Unprecedented Escalation.. Iraqi Factions Launch 27 Attacks Against US Bases in One Day

The Iraqi arena witnessed a remarkable military escalation following the announcement by what is known as the 'Islamic Resistance in Iraq' of carrying out 27 military operations targeting US bases in the country and the surrounding region within just twenty-four hours. In their intensive attacks, the factions used a mix of ballistic missiles and drones, affirming that these operations come in response to the continuous military escalation witnessed in the region since late February.

Field sources explained that the recent attacks were characterized by heavy fire and multiple axes, as dozens of suicide drones targeted logistical and military sites belonging to the US army. This move comes in the context of the open confrontation in which regional powers have engaged, placing the security of US bases in the region under continuous and unprecedented threat in terms of the pace of operations.

In an analysis of the military scene, strategic estimates indicate that the number of fighters in these Iraqi factions has reached approximately 238,000 elements, distributed between regular forces and reserve forces. This force consists of about 68 armed factions, officially linked to the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, which gives them legal cover and wide influence within state institutions.

'Kata'ib Hezbollah Iraq' stands out as one of the strongest of these formations, having been established under the direct supervision of the Quds Force and possessing close communication channels with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Alongside it, other influential forces emerge such as Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, in addition to Saraya al-Salam and Kata'ib Babylon, forming a complex military map.

These factions' structure is characterized by sectarian and social diversity that reflects the Iraqi fabric, as it is not limited to the Shiite component only, but also includes fighters from Sunnis, Christians, Turkmen, and Yazidis. This diversity gives the factions the ability to spread across various Iraqi governorates, making it difficult to deal with them as a single monolithic bloc, but rather as a complex system of influence.

In terms of armament capabilities, these groups now possess an arsenal comparable to international armies, including 'Quds 2' missiles with a range of about 800 kilometers. The factions have also developed locally made cruise missiles and 'Fajr', 'Grad', and 'Katyusha' type missiles, giving them the ability to strike long-range targets with increasing accuracy.

In addition to missile power, the factions employ advanced combat tactics including guerrilla warfare, fighting in densely populated urban environments, and carrying out qualitative ambushes. This military strategy has disrupted American calculations in the region, especially with the factions' ability to hide, move quickly, and use drones for reconnaissance and suicide operations.

Politically, these forces exert significant pressure within the Iraqi parliament and government, where their positions on the American presence range from absolute rigidity and demands for immediate withdrawal, to political pragmatism. This influence puts the government in Baghdad before difficult choices, as it seeks to avoid confrontation with Washington without entering into direct conflict with these powerful factions.

Sources indicate that the Popular Mobilization Forces, which are an essential part of this system, have played a pivotal role in the recent operations against American interests. These attacks have caused material and human losses, prompting the American side to re-evaluate its defensive strategy at bases deployed in Iraq and Syria.

Amidst the ongoing aggression launched by the United States and Israel against Iran since last February, which resulted in the assassination of high-ranking leaders, it appears that the Iraqi arena will remain a primary launching pad for retaliation. Current data confirm that the Iraqi factions have decided to raise the level of confrontation, portending further escalation in the coming days and expanding the scope of targeting to include vital interests in the region.

Iraqi factions possess a diverse arsenal of weapons comparable to regular armies, and employ guerrilla warfare and ambush tactics.