It has not yet been established who is responsible for the explosions at the Iraqi base Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the Shiite militias loyal to Iran, but the tension accumulated throughout the Middle East has already provoked a new attack: several rockets were launched from northern Iraq towards the base Kharab al-Jir of the international anti-jihadist coalition led USA in Syria. Initially, the responsibility was attributed to the pro-Iran Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah which, however, he denied in the following hours. But also in Israelwhile operations in the Strip continue and a final invasion is discussed Rafaha car driven by two men plowed into a group of people, with the passengers then getting out and opening fire towards civilians, wounding three people.
The attack
Iraqi security forces said they had found the vehicle used to launch rockets at the American-led base, adding that “a vast operation” to track down those responsible and carry out inspections was launched in the province of Nineveh. This is the first attack of any size directed against international coalition troops, although several drones and rockets have been launched against American soldiers in the Middle East in recent months. In fact, it is not uncommon for Shiite militias in the country to be considered loyal to Tehran attack American bases: pro-Iranian armed factions have carried out dozens of missile and drone raids this winter against the backdrop of the war in Gaza Strip. The last time it happened was on January 28th, when the American base Burj 22in Jordanian territory, had been attacked by drones which killed three soldiers.
But after an elusive claim by the Iraqi militiamen, the denial arrives on the channel Sabreen News of Telegram. In a press note released by the Iraqi security forces we read that “outlaw elements hit an international coalition base in the heart of Syrian territory with rockets at around 9.50pm” local time, without attributing responsibility.
Gaza emergency
Meanwhile, the diplomatic action of the United States and European countries continues to try to avoid the ground operation in Rafah and limit the consequences of the humanitarian disaster underway in the Strip. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinkenspoke to members of the Israeli war cabinet yesterday Benny Gantz And Yoav Gallant re-emphasizing “the commitment of the United States and Israel’s security efforts and discussed measures to increase life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the need for cease-fire immediate that ensures the release of the hostages and further measures to minimize harm to civilians.” The three, we read in a note, “also spoke about efforts to ensure that the conflict does not spread” and about the “importance of measures to ease tensions in the region”.
The High Representative for Foreign Policy of the EU also spoke on the issue, Josep Borrellarrived in Luxembourg for the summit which today will involve the EU Foreign and Defense ministers. The Spanish member of the Commission recalled that “the situation in Gaza continues to be the same, the attacks in West Bank instead they are increasing and we must look at greater sanctions against violent settlers“. Then adding that “there are over a million people in Rafah and they would be massacred by a military operation, I ask Israel again not to attack”.
The head of the Tel Aviv services and the head of the central command resign
Meanwhile the news has arrived that Aharon Halivathe general in command of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate on October 7, resigned over the army’s failure to prevent the attack carried out by Hamas, as reported by the Israeli media. Haliva had already indicated that he would step down once the war was over and looks set to remain in the role until a replacement is appointed. Same fate for the head of central command Yehuda Fuchs who – according to the media – communicated his resignation to the IDF chief of staff, underlining that he will leave the position in August, without specifying the reasons for his decision. He brings it back Haaretz recalling that Fuchs is the second major general to announce his resignation on Monday.
