This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has expressed concern over recent rocket attacks on bases in Iraq where US troops and material are stationed, blaming Iranian-backed Shiite paramilitary groups.
Since October 28, ten rocket attacks have targeted areas where US soldiers and diplomats are stationed, causing one Iraqi soldier to be killed and others to be wounded, as well as causing material damage in the vicinity of the US embassy in Baghdad's ultra-secure Green Zone.
US officials say they are considering sending 5,000 to 7,000 troops to the region to counter Iran, although Esper on Friday again denied a report that a 14,000-strong deployment was under discussion.
"My suspicion would be that Iran is behind these attacks, much like they are behind a lot of malign behavior throughout the region," Esper said, acknowledging that Tehran's involvement was difficult to prove.
Iran has gained overwhelming influence in Iraq since the 2003 US invasion brought down Saddam Hussein, and a US source recently told AFP that pro-Iran factions in Iraq were now considered a more significant threat to American soldiers than the Islamic State group (IS).
"Unilateral decisions will trigger negative reactions that will make it more difficult to control the situation and will threaten Iraq's security, sovereignty and independence," outgoing Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi said in a statement, urging everyone to spare no effort to prevent an escalation that will threaten all parties.
