Iraq: Iraqi security forces raid Iranian militia headquarters in Baghdad June 26

Event

Iraqi security forces raided a headquarter location of the Shia Iranian-backed militia group Kata'ib Hezbollah (KH) in southern Baghdad on Friday, June 26. Reportedly, security forces raided the location not long after midnight (local time) on Friday and seized both weaponry and personnel. The number of detainees reported varies from 19 to 23.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in southern Baghdad in the immediate term, and a response from Iran, particularly by its proxies, is expected to some degree in the medium term.

Context

KH was responsible for several attacks on US facilities on the lead up to the US drone strike which killed Qassem Soleimani (Former Leader of the IRGC Quds force) and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis (deputy commander of the PMF and former leader of KH) on January 3. Since the strike KH have also been responsible for a continuation of attacks on US facilities and show strong condemnation for US forces remaining in Iraq, alongside a strong alliance to Iran; they are commonly referred to as one of Tehran's strongest 'proxies' within Iraq.

Advice

Individuals in Baghdad are advised to monitor developments and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.