Iraq: Supply convoy for US-led forces struck by IED in Diwaniyah, Dec. 29

Event

According to local media citing Iraqi security forces, a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a convoy of trucks carrying supplies for the US-led coalition on an international road in Diwaniyah, Al-Qadisiyyah Governorate, Dec. 29. The IED attack was the second such attack in 24 hours. The attack reportedly injured one member of the Iraqi security forces, who were escorting the convoy. Some material damage was reported. In an earlier incident Dec. 29, another IED reportedly targeted a US-led coalition supply convoy along the same road further south in Al Muthanna Governorate. Some material damage was reported, but there were no reports of casualties. Unconfirmed reports indicate that both attacks may have targeted the same convoy. No group has formally claimed responsibility for either attack.

Context

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the US, Iran, and Tehran-backed regional proxies. Tensions have been high since Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani and several prominent Iraqi Shi'a militia leaders, including Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, were killed in a US drone attack near Baghdad International Airport (BGW) in January. Shi'a militia leaders have regularly threatened to avenge Soleimani's and al-Mohandes' deaths; IEDs against convoys carrying supplies for US-led coalition forces have increased. Currently, approximately 5,000 US-led coalition forces remain in Iraq to assist Iraqi security forces in fighting the Islamic State (IS), mainly in an advisory role.