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{{Short description|Airstrikes by Israel against Iran-aligned forces in Iraq}}
{{inbox|This page is under AfD discussion whether it is to be deleted: see ].}}
{{pp-30-500|small=yes}} {{pp-30-500|small=yes}}
{{Infobox military conflict {{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = 2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq | conflict = 2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq
| partof = ] | partof = the ]
| image = | image =
| footer = | footer =
| caption = | caption =
| date = July 19, 2019''present''<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=07|day1=19|year1=2019}}) | date = July 19 – September 22, 2019
| place = ] | place = ]
| status = ''Ongoing'' | status =
| combatant1 = {{flag|Israel}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu confirms Israeli military operating in Iraq |first= |last= |url= https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/1566499526-netanyahu-confirms-israeli-military-operating-in-iraq |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> | combatant1 = {{flag|Israel}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu confirms Israeli military operating in Iraq |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/1566499526-netanyahu-confirms-israeli-military-operating-in-iraq |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823080918/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/1566499526-netanyahu-confirms-israeli-military-operating-in-iraq |archive-date=2019-08-23 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| combatant2 = {{flagicon|Iraq}} ]<br>{{flag|Iran}} (])
'''Supported by:'''<br />{{flag|United States}}<br><small>(according to PMF and Iran)</small>
| strength1 = ]<ref>{{cite news |title=In Major Shift, Israel Twice Struck Iranian Targets in Iraq 'Using F-35' |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-twice-struck-iran-targets-in-iraq-using-f-35-1.7604353 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822030202/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-twice-struck-iran-targets-in-iraq-using-f-35-1.7604353 |archive-date=2019-08-22 |url-status=live }}</ref><br><small>(Alleged by Israel)</small><br>]{{cn|date=December 2019}}<small>(alleged by Iran)</small>
| combatant2 = {{flag|Iraq}}
*{{flagicon image|Coat of arms of Iraq (2008).svg}} ]<ref>https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/07/iraq-pmu-iran-abdul-mahdi-shiite-militias.html</ref><ref>https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/07/iraq-pmu-iraq-us-saudi.html</ref>
**{{flagicon image|Popular Mobilization Forces (Iraq) logo.jpg}} ]
'''Supported by:'''<br />{{flag|Iran}}
| strength1 = ]<ref>{{cite news |title=In Major Shift, Israel Twice Struck Iranian Targets in Iraq 'Using F-35' |first= |last= |url= https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-twice-struck-iran-targets-in-iraq-using-f-35-1.7604353 |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref><br><small>(Alleged by Israel)</small><br>]<ref name="Har">{{cite news |title=Tehran sources: An Israeli Harop drone attacked pro-Iranian Iraqi militia base NE of Baghdad |first= |last= |url= https://www.debka.com/tehran-sources-an-israeli-harop-drone-attacked-pro-iranian-iraqi-militia-base-ne-of-baghdad/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> <small>(alleged by Iran)</small>
| strength2 = Unknown | strength2 = Unknown
| casualties1 = None | casualties1 = None
| casualties2 = 47 killed{{cn|date=December 2019}}<br> 2 injured
| casualties2 = 47 killed<ref name="2nd">{{cite news |title=Second Israeli attack on Iranian targets in E. Iraq reported by Iraqi sources |first= |last= |url= https://www.debka.com/second-israeli-attack-on-iranian-targets-in-e-iraq-reported-by-iraqi-sources/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref><br> 2 injured
| casualties3 = 1 civilian killed <br> 29 civilians injured | casualties3 = 1 civilian killed <br> 29 civilians injured
| campaignbox = | campaignbox =
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| places = | places =
{{Location map~ | Iraq {{Location map~ | Iraq
| label = | label = 1st strike
| position = | position =
| background = | background =
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}} }}
{{Location map~| Iraq {{Location map~| Iraq
| label = | label = 2nd strike
| position = | position =
| background = | background =
Line 53: Line 49:
}} }}
{{Location map~| Iraq {{Location map~| Iraq
| label = | label = 3rd strike
| position = | position =
| background = | background =
Line 61: Line 57:
| lat_deg = 33 | lat_min = 21 | lat_dir = N | lat_deg = 33 | lat_min = 21 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 44 | lon_min = 36 | lon_dir = E | lon_deg = 44 | lon_min = 36 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~| Iraq
| label =
| position =
| background =
| mark = red pog.svg
| alt =
| link = ]
| lat_deg = 36 | lat_min = 20 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 43 | lon_min = 07 | lon_dir = E
}} }}
{{Location map~| Iraq {{Location map~| Iraq
| label = | label = 4th strike
| position = left | position = left
| background = | background =
Line 83: Line 69:
}} }}
{{Location map~| Iraq {{Location map~| Iraq
| label = | label = 5th strike
| position = left | position = right
| background = | background =
| mark = red pog.svg | mark = red pog.svg
Line 91: Line 77:
| lat_deg = 34 | lat_min = 22 | lat_dir = N | lat_deg = 34 | lat_min = 22 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 41 | lon_min = 05 | lon_dir = E | lon_deg = 41 | lon_min = 05 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~| Iraq
| label =
| position = left
| background =
| mark = red pog.svg
| alt =
| link = ]
| lat_deg = 33 | lat_min = 38 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 42 | lon_min = 49 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~| Iraq
| label =
| position = left
| background =
| mark = red pog.svg
| alt =
| link = ]
| lat_deg = 33 | lat_min = 02 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 40 | lon_min = 17 | lon_dir = E
}} }}
}} }}
{{Campaignbox 2019 Iran Crisis}} {{Campaignbox Iran–Israel proxy conflict}}
The '''2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq''' began as unidentified ] or ] bombings of the Iranian-backed ] (PMF) bases in ] starting on 19 July 2019.<ref name="1VOA">{{cite news |title=Drone Attack Hits Shiite Militia Base in Northern Iraq |first= |last= |url= https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/drone-attack-hits-shiite-militia-base-northern-iraq |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> Several Iraqi, Iranian and Israeli officials have blamed ] for the attacks but Israel initially neither confirmed nor denied its role. Israeli Prime Minister ] hinted responsibility for the attacks on 20 August 2019, claiming that "Iran is not immune anywhere".<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu hints Israel behind strikes on Iraq, says Iran not immune anywhere |first= |last= |url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-hints-israel-behind-strikes-on-iraq-says-iran-not-immune-anywhere/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> Israel confirmed responsibility for the strikes on 22 August 2019, which was later followed by a US confirmation.<ref name="IS" /><ref name="US" /> The '''2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq''' began as unidentified ] or ] bombings of the Iranian-backed ] (PMF) bases in ] starting on 19 July 2019.<ref name="1VOA">{{cite news |last=Yeranian |first=Edward |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Drone Attack Hits Shiite Militia Base in Northern Iraq |work=Voice of America |url=https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/drone-attack-hits-shiite-militia-base-northern-iraq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822073402/https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/drone-attack-hits-shiite-militia-base-northern-iraq |archive-date=2019-08-22}}</ref> The strikes targeted ], based in Iraq, as well as ] operatives.


Several Iraqi, Iranian and Israeli officials have blamed ] for the attacks,{{cn|date=January 2020}} though Israel had initially neither confirmed nor denied its role. Israeli Prime Minister ] hinted responsibility for the attacks on 20 August 2019, claiming that "Iran is not immune anywhere".<ref>{{cite news |last=Ahren |first=Raphael |date=20 August 2019 |title=Netanyahu hints Israel behind strikes on Iraq, says Iran not immune anywhere |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-hints-israel-behind-strikes-on-iraq-says-iran-not-immune-anywhere/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905152056/https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-hints-israel-behind-strikes-on-iraq-says-iran-not-immune-anywhere/ |archive-date=2019-09-05}}</ref> Israel confirmed responsibility for the strikes on 22 August 2019, which was later followed by a US confirmation.<ref name="IS" /><ref name="US" />
== Attacks ==
=== Amirli strike ===
On 19 July 2019 unidentified ] bombed a base belonging to the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces base in ], close to the town of ]. An airstrike wounded two Iranians after it struck a base that housed advisers from Iran and Lebanon, while a second strike hit a weapons depot, causing a large fire and the destruction of several ].<ref name="1VOA" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Drone targets base of Iran-backed militia in northern Iraq |first= |last= |url= https://www.foxnews.com/world/drone-targets-base-of-iran-backed-militia-in-northern-iraq |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> The US Central Command ] denied responsibility for the bombing. Israeli news site ] has claimed that Israel struck the base using ] ].<ref name="Har" />


==Timeline==
Iran reported on July 30 that the attack had killed a senior ] (IRGC) commander Abu Alfazl Sarabian.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran admits a Revolutionary Guard commander killed in an 'Israeli attack' in Iraq on July 19 |first= |last= |url= http://jcpa.org/iran-admits-a-revolutionary-guard-commander-killed-in-an-israeli-attack-in-iraq-on-july-19/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>
===Amirli strike===
On 19 July 2019 unidentified ] bombed a base belonging to the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces base in ], close to the town of ]. An airstrike wounded two Iranians after it struck a base that housed advisers from Iran and Lebanon, while a second strike hit a weapons depot, causing a large fire and the destruction of several ].<ref name="1VOA" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Drone targets base of Iran-backed militia in northern Iraq |work=Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/drone-targets-base-of-iran-backed-militia-in-northern-iraq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724153300/https://www.foxnews.com/world/drone-targets-base-of-iran-backed-militia-in-northern-iraq |archive-date=2019-07-24}}</ref> The US Central Command ] denied responsibility for the bombing.{{cn|date=January 2020}}


Iran reported on July 30 that the attack had killed a senior ] (IRGC) commander Abu Alfazl Sarabian.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iran admits a Revolutionary Guard commander killed in an 'Israeli attack' in Iraq on July 19 |work=Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs |url=http://jcpa.org/iran-admits-a-revolutionary-guard-commander-killed-in-an-israeli-attack-in-iraq-on-july-19/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820023308/http://jcpa.org/iran-admits-a-revolutionary-guard-commander-killed-in-an-israeli-attack-in-iraq-on-july-19/ |archive-date=2019-08-20}}</ref>
=== Camp Ashraf strike ===
On 27 July 2019 ], one of the biggest bases in Iraq, was attacked by what Iraqi military sources described as one or more ] jets. The attack struck a consignment of ballistic missile launchers and living quarters of IRGC officers and PMF personnel. Some sources reported that up to 40 people were killed in the attack.<ref name="2nd" /> According to Iraqi and Iranian sources the attacks were carried out by Israeli ] aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |title=REPORT: ISRAEL LAUNCHED TWO ATTACKS ON IRANIAN TARGETS IN IRAQ IN JULY |first= |last= |url= https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-expanding-attacks-against-Iranians-in-Syria-and-Iraq-report-597128 |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>


=== Southern Baghdad strike === ===Camp Ashraf strike===
On 27 July 2019 ], one of the biggest bases in Iraq, was attacked by what Iraqi military sources described as one or more ] jets. The attack struck a consignment of ballistic missile launchers and living quarters of IRGC officers and PMF personnel. Some sources reported that up to 40 people were killed in the attack.<ref name="2nd">{{cite news |title=Second Israeli attack on Iranian targets in E. Iraq reported by Iraqi sources |url=https://www.debka.com/second-israeli-attack-on-iranian-targets-in-e-iraq-reported-by-iraqi-sources/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822161735/https://www.debka.com/second-israeli-attack-on-iranian-targets-in-e-iraq-reported-by-iraqi-sources/ |archive-date=2019-08-22 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Iraqi and Iranian sources the attacks were carried out by Israeli ] aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |last=Joffre |first=Tzvi |last2=Ahronheim |first2=Anna |date=30 July 2019 |title=Report: Israel launched two attacks on Iranian targets in Iraq in July |work=The Jerusalem Post |url=https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-expanding-attacks-against-Iranians-in-Syria-and-Iraq-report-597128 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912231228/https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-expanding-attacks-against-Iranians-in-Syria-and-Iraq-report-597128 |archive-date=2019-09-12}}</ref>
Explosions rocked a PMF weapons depot in southern ] on 12 August killing one and injuring 29 civilians.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explosions at ammunition warehouse kill one and injure 29 in Baghdad |first= |last= |url= https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/explosions-at-ammunition-warehouse-kill-one-and-injure-29-in-baghdad-1.897639 |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> A spokesman for Iraq's Interior Minister said that an examination of the warehouse showed that the explosion was not caused by an internal failure but by a third party that attacked the warehouse and caused a fire.<ref>{{cite news |title='US and Israel are attacking Iranian targets in Iraq' |first= |last= |url= http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/267390 |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Satellite firm says images of bombed Iraqi site indicate it was hit in airstrike |first= |last= |url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/satellite-firm-says-images-of-bombed-iraqi-site-indicate-it-was-hit-in-airstrike/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>


===Southern Baghdad strike===
Iraq closed its airspace to all unauthorized flights on 13 August, including to the US coalition. Iraqi Prime Minister also ordered all military camps and munitions warehouses to be moved outside Iraqi cities following the explosions that killed one civilian and wounded 29.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq takes security measures following mysterious blasts blamed on Israel |first= |last= |url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/iraq-takes-security-measures-following-mysterious-blasts-blamed-on-israel/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq closes airspace even to US Coalition flights after suspected Israeli raid |first= |last= |url= https://iranian.com/2019/08/17/iraq-closes-airspace-after-suspected-israeli-raid/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>
Explosions rocked a PMF weapons depot in southern ] on 12 August killing one and injuring 29 civilians.<ref>{{cite news |last=Karam |first=Joyce |date=August 13, 2019 |title=Explosions at ammunition warehouse kill one and injure 29 in Baghdad |work=The National |url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/explosions-at-ammunition-warehouse-kill-one-and-injure-29-in-baghdad-1.897639 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905002756/https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/explosions-at-ammunition-warehouse-kill-one-and-injure-29-in-baghdad-1.897639 |archive-date=2019-09-05}}</ref> A spokesman for Iraq's Interior Minister said that an examination of the warehouse showed that the explosion was not caused by an internal failure but by a third party that attacked the warehouse and caused a fire.<ref>{{cite news |title=US and Israel are attacking Iranian targets in Iraq |work=Israel National News |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/267390 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822104413/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/267390 |archive-date=2019-08-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ari Gross |first=Judah |last2=Rasgon |first2=Adam |date=14 August 2019 |title=Satellite firm says images of bombed Iraqi site indicate it was hit in airstrike |pages= |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/satellite-firm-says-images-of-bombed-iraqi-site-indicate-it-was-hit-in-airstrike/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816005044/https://www.timesofisrael.com/satellite-firm-says-images-of-bombed-iraqi-site-indicate-it-was-hit-in-airstrike/ |archive-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


Iraq closed its airspace to all unauthorized flights on 13 August, including to the US coalition. Iraqi Prime Minister also ordered all military camps and munitions warehouses to be moved outside Iraqi cities following the explosions that killed one civilian and wounded 29.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq takes security measures following mysterious blasts blamed on Israel |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/iraq-takes-security-measures-following-mysterious-blasts-blamed-on-israel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816211022/https://www.timesofisrael.com/iraq-takes-security-measures-following-mysterious-blasts-blamed-on-israel/ |archive-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq closes airspace even to US Coalition flights after suspected Israeli raid |url= https://iranian.com/2019/08/17/iraq-closes-airspace-after-suspected-israeli-raid/ }}</ref>
=== 30th Brigade's Headquarters strike ===
On 17 August, unidentified warplanes targeted the 30th Brigade's headquarters, which is affiliated with the ]<ref>{{cite news |title=Satellite firm says images of bombed Iraqi site indicate it was hit in airstrike |first= |last= |url= https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/43546/Unidentified-warplanes-target-IMIS-HQ-sources |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>


=== Balad Air Base strike === ===30th Brigade's headquarters strike===
On 17 August, unidentified warplanes targeted the 30th Brigade's headquarters, which is affiliated with the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Satellite firm says images of bombed Iraqi site indicate it was hit in airstrike |url=https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/43546/Unidentified-warplanes-target-IMIS-HQ-sources |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901020829/https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/43546/Unidentified-warplanes-target-IMIS-HQ-sources |archive-date=2019-09-01 |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Balad strike===
Blasts hit a PMF arms depot on 20 August close to the ]. A PMF source said the arms depot was specifically targeted by an aerial bombardment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explosion rocks arms depot north of Iraq's Baghdad |first= |last= |url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/explosion-rocks-arms-depot-north-iraq-baghdad-190820171200992.html |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> Blasts hit a PMF arms depot on 20 August close to the ]. A PMF source said the arms depot was specifically targeted by an aerial bombardment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explosion rocks arms depot north of Iraq's Baghdad |work=Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/explosion-rocks-arms-depot-north-iraq-baghdad-190820171200992.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913224809/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/explosion-rocks-arms-depot-north-iraq-baghdad-190820171200992.html |archive-date=2019-09-13}}</ref>


=== Al-Qa'im === ===Al-Qa'im===
On 25 August 2019 a PMF convoy was hit by two drones near the Syrian–Iraqi border town of ], killing six, including a senior commander. PMF blamed Israel for the attack. It came as ] leader ] was making a speech in response to an ] at their stronghold in ], ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Bakria |first=Yasmine |date=26 August 2019 |title=As Hezbollah Leader Blasts Israel, Iran-backed Militias Struck on Iraq-Syria Border |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/.premium-hezbollah-leader-blasts-israeli-aggression-after-drones-crash-over-beirut-1.7739807 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826075331/https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/.premium-hezbollah-leader-blasts-israeli-aggression-after-drones-crash-over-beirut-1.7739807 |archive-date=2019-08-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq paramilitary: Israel behind drone attack near Syria border |work=Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/iraq-paramilitary-israel-drone-attack-syria-border-190825184711737.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826105616/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/iraq-paramilitary-israel-drone-attack-syria-border-190825184711737.html |archive-date=2019-08-26}}</ref>


===Hit strike===
On 25 August 2019 a PMF convoy was hit by two drones near the Syrian–Iraqi border town of ], killing six, including a senior commander. PMF blamed Israel for the attack. It came as ] leader ] was making a speech in response to an ] at their stronghold in ], ].<ref>{{cite news |title=As Hezbollah Leader Blasts Israel, Iran-backed Militias Struck on Iraq-Syria Border |first= |last= |url= https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/.premium-hezbollah-leader-blasts-israeli-aggression-after-drones-crash-over-beirut-1.7739807 |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq paramilitary: Israel behind drone attack near Syria border |first= |last= |url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/iraq-paramilitary-israel-drone-attack-syria-border-190825184711737.html |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>
On 20 September, loud explosions were reported at a warehouse near the city of Hit in Anbar Province, northwest of Baghdad. Sky News Arabic reported that after the blast, shells were launched into neighboring areas, indicating an arms depot may have been hit. Al-Arabiya also reported that the warehouse was used to store weaponry and belonged to the Popular Mobilization Forces. al-Arabiya quoted an Iraqi officer claiming there was a drone in the area at the time of the explosions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blasts reported at Iraqi warehouse allegedly used by Iran-backed militia |work=Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/blasts-reported-at-alleged-iraqi-arms-depot-used-by-iran-backed-militia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206122633/https://www.timesofisrael.com/blasts-reported-at-alleged-iraqi-arms-depot-used-by-iran-backed-militia/ |archive-date=2019-12-06}}</ref> As result of the explosions, 21 Iraqi militants of the Popular Mobilization Forces were killed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Khoury |first=Jack |date=September 10, 2019 |title=Report: 21 Iraqi Militia Members Killed in Explosion in Iran-linked Arms Depot |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/iraq/.premium-report-21-iraqi-militia-members-killed-in-explosion-in-iran-linked-arms-depot-1.7825290 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911151457/https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/iraq/.premium-report-21-iraqi-militia-members-killed-in-explosion-in-iran-linked-arms-depot-1.7825290 |archive-date=2019-09-11}}</ref>


=== Hit strike === ===Tafuf Brigade strike===
On 22 September, violent explosions caused by airstrikes took place at a base belonging to "Liwa al-Tafuf" 13th Brigade of the Popular Mobilisation Units. An Iraqi security official told ''The New Arab'' that drones may have been used in the attack.<ref>{{cite news |title=Report: 21 Iraqi Militia Members Killed in Explosion in Iran-linked Arms Depot |url= https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/9/22/mystery-airstrikes-pound-iraqi-militia-base-near-syria }}</ref>
On 20 September, loud explosions were reported at a warehouse near the city of Hit in Anbar Province, northwest of Baghdad. Sky News Arabic reported that after the blast, shells were launched into neighboring areas, indicating an arms depot may have been hit. Al-Arabiya also reported that the warehouse was used to store weaponry and belonged to the Popular Mobilization Forces. al-Arabiya quoted an Iraqi officer claiming there was a drone in the area at the time of the explosions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blasts reported at Iraqi warehouse allegedly used by Iran-backed militia |first= |last= |url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/blasts-reported-at-alleged-iraqi-arms-depot-used-by-iran-backed-militia/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> As result of the explosions, 21 Iraqi militants of the Popular Mobilization Forces were killed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Report: 21 Iraqi Militia Members Killed in Explosion in Iran-linked Arms Depot |first= |last= |url= https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/iraq/.premium-report-21-iraqi-militia-members-killed-in-explosion-in-iran-linked-arms-depot-1.7825290 |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>


==Responsibility==
=== Tafuf Brigade strike ===
On 22 August 2019 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had been carrying out operations against Iran in Iraq, saying "We are working against Iranian consolidation—in Iraq as well."<ref name="IS">{{cite news |title=Netanyahu Confirms Israel Acting Against Iran in Iraq |work=Homadia |url=https://hamodia.com/2019/08/22/netanyahu-confirms-israel-acting-iran-iraq/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826140135/https://hamodia.com/2019/08/22/netanyahu-confirms-israel-acting-iran-iraq/ |archive-date=2019-08-26}}</ref> US officials also confirmed that Israel was behind the attacks later in the day.<ref name="US">{{cite news |last=Tercatin |first=Rossella |date=23 August 2019 |title=American officials confirm Israel behind strikes in Iraqreport |work=The Jerusalem Post |url=https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/American-officials-confirm-Israeli-strikes-in-Iraq-report-599465 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913133856/https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/American-officials-confirm-Israeli-strikes-in-Iraq-report-599465 |archive-date=2019-09-13}}</ref>
On 22 September, violent explosions caused by airstrikes took place at a base belonging to "Liwa al-Tafuf" 13th Brigade of the Popular Mobilisation Units. An Iraqi security official told ''The New Arab'' that drones may have been used in the attack.<ref>{{cite news |title=Report: 21 Iraqi Militia Members Killed in Explosion in Iran-linked Arms Depot |first= |last= |url= https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/9/22/mystery-airstrikes-pound-iraqi-militia-base-near-syria |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>


== Responsibility == ==See also==
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==References==
On 22 August 2019 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had been carrying out operations against Iran in Iraq, saying "We are working against Iranian consolidation—in Iraq as well."<ref name="IS">{{cite news |title=Netanyahu Confirms Israel Acting Against Iran in Iraq |first= |last= |url= https://hamodia.com/2019/08/22/netanyahu-confirms-israel-acting-iran-iraq/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref> US officials also confirmed that Israel was behind the attacks later in the day.<ref name="US">{{cite news |title=AMERICAN OFFICIALS CONFIRM ISRAEL BEHIND STRIKES IN IRAQREPORT |first= |last= |url= https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/American-officials-confirm-Israeli-strikes-in-Iraq-report-599465 |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>

On 24 September 2019, ] reported that the Islamic State operated the drones that were attacking the pro-Iranian Shiite militia forces in Iraq and Syria in the recent days.<ref>{{cite news |title=המקורות הצבאיים של תיקדבקה: המל"טים התוקפים בימים האחרונים את המליציות השיעיות העיראקיות הפרו-איראניות הם של ISIS |first= |last= |url= https://www.debka.co.il/mivzak/%d7%94%d7%9e%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%aa-%d7%94%d7%a6%d7%91%d7%90%d7%99%d7%99%d7%9d-%d7%a9%d7%9c-%d7%aa%d7%99%d7%a7%d7%93%d7%91%d7%a7%d7%94-%d7%94%d7%9e%d7%9c%d7%98%d7%99%d7%9d-%d7%a9%d7%aa%d7%95/ |newspaper= |date= |accessdate=}}</ref>

== See also ==
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== References ==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


{{Iran–Israel proxy conflict}} {{Iran–Israel proxy conflict}}


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Latest revision as of 13:10, 26 April 2024

Airstrikes by Israel against Iran-aligned forces in Iraq

2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict
DateJuly 19 – September 22, 2019
LocationIraq
Belligerents
 Israel Iraq PMF
 Iran (IRGC)
Strength
F-35I Adir
(Alleged by Israel)
IAI Harop(alleged by Iran)
Unknown
Casualties and losses
None 47 killed
2 injured
1 civilian killed
29 civilians injured
2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq is located in Iraq1st strike1st strike2nd strike2nd strike3rd strike3rd strike4th strike4th strike5th strike5th strikeclass=notpageimage| Location of the airstrikes in Iraq
Iran–Israel proxy conflict
2024 Iran–Israel conflict

Hezbollah–Israel conflict

Gaza–Israel conflict

Iran–Israel conflict during the Syrian civil war

Israel–Yemen conflict

Nuclear program of Iran

International incidents

The 2019 Israeli airstrikes in Iraq began as unidentified drone or aircraft bombings of the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) bases in Iraq starting on 19 July 2019. The strikes targeted Iranian proxy groups, based in Iraq, as well as IRGC operatives.

Several Iraqi, Iranian and Israeli officials have blamed Israel for the attacks, though Israel had initially neither confirmed nor denied its role. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted responsibility for the attacks on 20 August 2019, claiming that "Iran is not immune anywhere". Israel confirmed responsibility for the strikes on 22 August 2019, which was later followed by a US confirmation.

Timeline

Amirli strike

On 19 July 2019 unidentified drones bombed a base belonging to the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces base in Iraq, close to the town of Amirli. An airstrike wounded two Iranians after it struck a base that housed advisers from Iran and Lebanon, while a second strike hit a weapons depot, causing a large fire and the destruction of several ballistic missiles. The US Central Command CENTCOM denied responsibility for the bombing.

Iran reported on July 30 that the attack had killed a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Abu Alfazl Sarabian.

Camp Ashraf strike

On 27 July 2019 Camp Ashraf, one of the biggest bases in Iraq, was attacked by what Iraqi military sources described as one or more Israeli Air Force jets. The attack struck a consignment of ballistic missile launchers and living quarters of IRGC officers and PMF personnel. Some sources reported that up to 40 people were killed in the attack. According to Iraqi and Iranian sources the attacks were carried out by Israeli F-35 aircraft.

Southern Baghdad strike

Explosions rocked a PMF weapons depot in southern Baghdad on 12 August killing one and injuring 29 civilians. A spokesman for Iraq's Interior Minister said that an examination of the warehouse showed that the explosion was not caused by an internal failure but by a third party that attacked the warehouse and caused a fire.

Iraq closed its airspace to all unauthorized flights on 13 August, including to the US coalition. Iraqi Prime Minister also ordered all military camps and munitions warehouses to be moved outside Iraqi cities following the explosions that killed one civilian and wounded 29.

30th Brigade's headquarters strike

On 17 August, unidentified warplanes targeted the 30th Brigade's headquarters, which is affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces.

Balad strike

Blasts hit a PMF arms depot on 20 August close to the Balad Air Base. A PMF source said the arms depot was specifically targeted by an aerial bombardment.

Al-Qa'im

On 25 August 2019 a PMF convoy was hit by two drones near the Syrian–Iraqi border town of Al-Qa'im, killing six, including a senior commander. PMF blamed Israel for the attack. It came as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was making a speech in response to an alleged Israeli attack at their stronghold in Dahieh, Lebanon.

Hit strike

On 20 September, loud explosions were reported at a warehouse near the city of Hit in Anbar Province, northwest of Baghdad. Sky News Arabic reported that after the blast, shells were launched into neighboring areas, indicating an arms depot may have been hit. Al-Arabiya also reported that the warehouse was used to store weaponry and belonged to the Popular Mobilization Forces. al-Arabiya quoted an Iraqi officer claiming there was a drone in the area at the time of the explosions. As result of the explosions, 21 Iraqi militants of the Popular Mobilization Forces were killed.

Tafuf Brigade strike

On 22 September, violent explosions caused by airstrikes took place at a base belonging to "Liwa al-Tafuf" 13th Brigade of the Popular Mobilisation Units. An Iraqi security official told The New Arab that drones may have been used in the attack.

Responsibility

On 22 August 2019 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had been carrying out operations against Iran in Iraq, saying "We are working against Iranian consolidation—in Iraq as well." US officials also confirmed that Israel was behind the attacks later in the day.

See also

References

  1. "Netanyahu confirms Israeli military operating in Iraq". Archived from the original on 2019-08-23.
  2. "In Major Shift, Israel Twice Struck Iranian Targets in Iraq 'Using F-35'". Archived from the original on 2019-08-22.
  3. ^ Yeranian, Edward (July 19, 2019). "Drone Attack Hits Shiite Militia Base in Northern Iraq". Voice of America. Archived from the original on 2019-08-22.
  4. Ahren, Raphael (20 August 2019). "Netanyahu hints Israel behind strikes on Iraq, says Iran not immune anywhere". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 2019-09-05.
  5. ^ "Netanyahu Confirms Israel Acting Against Iran in Iraq". Homadia. Archived from the original on 2019-08-26.
  6. ^ Tercatin, Rossella (23 August 2019). "American officials confirm Israel behind strikes in Iraq – report". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 2019-09-13.
  7. "Drone targets base of Iran-backed militia in northern Iraq". Fox News. Archived from the original on 2019-07-24.
  8. "Iran admits a Revolutionary Guard commander killed in an 'Israeli attack' in Iraq on July 19". Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 2019-08-20.
  9. "Second Israeli attack on Iranian targets in E. Iraq reported by Iraqi sources". Archived from the original on 2019-08-22.
  10. Joffre, Tzvi; Ahronheim, Anna (30 July 2019). "Report: Israel launched two attacks on Iranian targets in Iraq in July". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 2019-09-12.
  11. Karam, Joyce (August 13, 2019). "Explosions at ammunition warehouse kill one and injure 29 in Baghdad". The National. Archived from the original on 2019-09-05.
  12. "US and Israel are attacking Iranian targets in Iraq". Israel National News. Archived from the original on 2019-08-22.
  13. Ari Gross, Judah; Rasgon, Adam (14 August 2019). "Satellite firm says images of bombed Iraqi site indicate it was hit in airstrike". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 2019-08-16.
  14. "Iraq takes security measures following mysterious blasts blamed on Israel". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 2019-08-16.
  15. "Iraq closes airspace even to US Coalition flights after suspected Israeli raid".
  16. "Satellite firm says images of bombed Iraqi site indicate it was hit in airstrike". Archived from the original on 2019-09-01.
  17. "Explosion rocks arms depot north of Iraq's Baghdad". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 2019-09-13.
  18. Bakria, Yasmine (26 August 2019). "As Hezbollah Leader Blasts Israel, Iran-backed Militias Struck on Iraq-Syria Border". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 2019-08-26.
  19. "Iraq paramilitary: Israel behind drone attack near Syria border". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 2019-08-26.
  20. "Blasts reported at Iraqi warehouse allegedly used by Iran-backed militia". Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 2019-12-06.
  21. Khoury, Jack (September 10, 2019). "Report: 21 Iraqi Militia Members Killed in Explosion in Iran-linked Arms Depot". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 2019-09-11.
  22. "Report: 21 Iraqi Militia Members Killed in Explosion in Iran-linked Arms Depot".
Iran–Israel proxy conflict
Background
2024 Iran–Israel conflict
Hezbollah–Israel conflict
Israeli–Palestinian conflict
Gaza–Israel conflict
Syrian civil war
International incidents
Nuclear program of Iran
Related
Category:Iran–Israel proxy conflict
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