Iraq: Rockets land near military airbase housing US contractors

On April 4, a pair of rockets landed near an Iraqi airbase where several American trainers were present. Speaking to Associated Press, Major General Tahseen al-Khafaji revealed that assault took place just after midday outside Bal airbase. Aerial attacks against US military bases in Iraq have seen a surge in past few weeks, raising concerns about a new era of hostilities and frozen relationship. 

Under Presidency of Barack Obama in 2011, US withdrew its troops from middle eastern country but reinstated m again in 2014. Last year, troop levels were reduced to 2,500 after withdrawals based on n President Trump’s orders. However,  killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leer in January 2020, have rekindled calls for an increased withdrawal. 

Amidst rising friction between Baghd and Washington, assaults have seen a spike. Last month, a similar attack, which involved 10 rockets hitting a base in western Iraq led to killing of at least one American contractor. In late February, Washington ordered strikes against Iran-aligned militia targets along Iraq-Syria border. 

Peace talks

Meanwhile, Joe Biden ministration will be resuming strategic talks with Iraqi officials April 7 on withdrawal of remaining US combat forces in country. se talks will be first under Biden. discussions are expected to shape future of US-Iraq relationship. Also, topics will include security, tre, climate and more. 

According to a senior ministration official who spoke on condition of anonymity, US will be using meetings as a means to clarify that coalition forces remain in country “at invitation of Iraqi government and solely for purpose of training and vising Iraqi forces” and to ensure that terror group ISIS “cannot reconstitute”. As per Iraqi officials, Iraq h sent a formal request to Biden’s ministration for a date to resume strategic talks on bilateral relations. 

Both countries launched talks in June 2020. talks began online due to coronavirus and were expected to go on for several months. relations have improved since new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Khimi took over helm of Iraq’s government. He marked a new chapter in Iraq-US relations. 

(Representative/ Image Credits, Inputs: AP)