Iraq: Supply convoy for US-led forces struck by IED in Samawah, Dec. 10

Event

Iraqi security forces reported that a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a convoy of trucks carrying supplies for the US-led coalition in the Samawah area of Al Muthanna Governorate in southern Iraq on Dec. 10. Some material damage was reported, but there were no reports of casualties. The identities of the attackers are unknown; no group has of yet claimed responsibility for the 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 coalitions forces have increased. Currently, approximately 5,000 US coalition forces remain in Iraq to assist Iraqi security forces in fighting the Islamic State (IS), mainly in an advisory role.