militia

Claims that the US struck Iranian-backed militias were at the heart of the rumors.

While pro-Iran media claimed the explosions were caused by US airstrikes, Iraqi officials have confirmed that the incident was an ISIS attack on infrastructure.

BEHIND THE LINES: The inability of the Iraqi central government to rein in the Shia militias might be dismissed as a colorful and lurid tale from somewhere distant. Unfortunately, it is not.

The militias have fired dozens of rockets at facilities where US personnel are located. They have frequently fired Iranian-supplied 107mm rockets at the US embassy in Baghdad.

Mohi said the firing of Katyusha rockets at US forces and diplomatic compounds had been merely "a message that you're not welcome in the country."

Birge said law enforcement arrested several of the alleged conspirators "when they were meeting on the east side of the state to pool funds for explosives and exchange tactical gear."

This US warning has raised serious concerns in Iraq, particularly among Shia political and militia leaders, most of whom condemned such attacks.

Multiple senior federal officials, including at the FBI and Department of Homeland Security this month have warned that white supremacist groups pose a rising threat of violence in the United States.

Nearly half (49.9%) of said respondents shared that they hold "unfavorable" views of Trump, compared to the 38% who have "favorable" views of the president and his administration.

The airstrikes were intensive, with 15 militia members reportedly killed.