BAGHDAD: US Ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, held a meeting with former Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki on Sunday, a day after the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” launched ballistic missiles at a base hosting US forces in western Iraq.
The attack, claimed by the resistance group opposing US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict, has heightened regional tensions amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Maliki, an influential figure in Iraqi politics, discussed the future of bilateral relations with the United States and the escalating regional tensions with Ambassador Romanowski. In the meeting, Maliki emphasized the importance of strengthening friendship and cooperation between Baghdad and Washington.
Expressing concern over the expanding war and multiple crises in the region, Maliki called for swift action to reduce tensions and halt mutual attacks.
Ambassador Romanowski, who regularly engages with Iraqi officials, has not provided comments on the meeting.
Attacks on US Forces in Iraq
The Hashed Al-Shaabi, integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, expressed support for the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq.” Kataeb Hezbollah, a faction within Hashed, called for the continuation of operations against enemy strongholds, escalating tensions in the region.
The United States maintains approximately 2,500 soldiers in Iraq and nearly 900 in Syria. Current Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani has reiterated his desire for foreign troops to exit Iraq.
