An Iranian-backed militia targeted Syria with rocket fire. The rockets appear to have been fired from an area north of Mosul in Iraq and targeted a military base in eastern Syria. The Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have carried out hundreds of attacks in Iraq since February 28, when the US and Israel began strikes on Iran, and have been carrying out many similar attacks over the last decade.
According to Syrian state media SANA, “A Syrian Arab Army military base near al-Yarubiyah in the Hasakah countryside was targeted by a missile attack, according to the army’s operations command.” The report said “The command said the attack was carried out using five missiles launched from the vicinity of Tal al-Hawa village, located approximately 20 km. inside Iraqi territory.
It added that coordination has been established with Iraqi authorities, who confirmed that Iraqi forces have begun search and sweep operations to pursue those responsible.” SANA went on to note that “the Syrian Arab Army affirmed it is on full alert, stressing that it will carry out its duties to defend Syrian territory and respond to any aggression.”
Kataib Hezbollah
The attack comes as the militias in Iraq have also targeted Iraq’s national intelligence headquarters.
One of the large militias, Kataib Hezbollah, has said it will pause attacks on the US Embassy in Baghdad. Many of the militias in Iraq – grouped under the Iraqi paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces – have opposed the new Syrian government, backed the Assad regime, and also fought in Syria. Kataib Hezbollah, for instance, had a headquarters in Al-Bukamal in Syria near the Iraqi border.
Tal al-Hawa is not far from the Iraqi border town of Rabia, which is on the border with Syria. Sipan Hemo, the recently appointed Syrian deputy defense minister for part of eastern Syria, condemned the attacks. Hemo was a commander in the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces.
“We condemn the attack targeting the Kharab al-Jir base in the eastern region, carried out with missiles launched this evening from Iraqi territory. We hold the Iraqi authorities fully and directly responsible for this act, due to their failure to control their territory and prevent its use to launch attacks that threaten our security and territorial integrity.
“The attack resulted in material damage, but no casualties were reported among our military personnel. We call upon them to assume their responsibilities immediately and effectively and to take firm and decisive measures to prevent the recurrence of such violations,” said Hemo.
Syria appears increasingly concerned about the Iraqi militia provocations. It has attempted to remain outside the current Iranian conflict in the region. A video appears to show rockets being fired at night. One social media site reports that these were Iranian Arash rockets fired from a Kia Bongo truck. These types of trucks are often used by the militias to fire 122 mm. rockets.
Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed militia Saraya Awliya al-Dam has claimed that the US is leaving Camp Victory in Baghdad, a major site, along with the embassy and diplomatic support center at Baghdad International Airport, which was often targeted by militias. Jaysh al-Ghadan – another militia that appears to be a front group for other Iranian-backed militias – has continued to threaten the US.
The US Embassy in Baghdad said, “Iran-aligned terrorist militias have conducted widespread attacks on US citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). US citizens should leave Iraq now.
“US Mission Iraq remains open while on ordered departure to assist US citizens in Iraq. Do not attempt to come to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate general in Erbil in light of ongoing risk of missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace. All routine consular services remain suspended, including all visa services.”