Gulf states weigh UN complaint against Iraq over militia attacks

Summary

Gulf states weigh UN complaint against Iraq over cross-border attacks Several regional countries are considering filing a complaint with the UN Security Council against Iraq over attacks carried out by armed groups operating from its territory during the Israel-US war on Iran. The push comes as a number of Gulf states and Jordan voice frustration over drone and missile attacks targeting US-linked sites within their territories, which they attribute to Iran-aligned Iraqi armed groups. However, Iraq has long been influenced by external powers, particularly the United States and Iran, with Iran-aligned armed factions operating within and alongside the state. Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, these groups carried out repeated drone and missile attacks on US-linked targets in Iraq, including diplomatic facilities and military bases in the northern Kurdish region, where US forces are deployed. Gulf states have also accused them of launching cross-border strikes. At the same time, suspected US and Israeli airstrikes targeted dozens of bases belonging to Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), killing dozens of members and further entangling Iraq in the conflict. According to sources, several countries have warned Baghdad that failure to curb such attacks could lead to escalation at the international level, including lodging a formal complaint with the UN Security Council. The move is being considered as part of broader diplomatic pressure on Iraq to rein in armed factions and prevent its territory from being used for cross-border attacks. A joint statement by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan called on Iraq to take "concrete measures" to halt attacks by armed groups targeting American bases in neighbouring states, describing them as violations of sovereignty and international law. Sources said discussions are ongoing over the timing and scope of a potential complaint, noting that such a step could further complicate Iraq’s already fragile regional position. Analysts warn that continued cross-border attacks risk exposing Iraq to retaliatory strikes and intensifying external pressure, potentially undermining its stability and foreign relations. Iraq has rejected the accusations, calling on countries making the claims to provide evidence. Officials in Baghdad say the government remains committed to preventing its territory from being used to threaten neighbouring states, while warning against dragging the country into a wider regional confrontation. $10 million reward for Kataib Hezbollah leader Meanwhile, the US State Department on Tuesday accused Ahmed al-Hamidawi, leader of the Iraqi group Kataib Hezbollah, of involvement in attacks on civilians and the kidnapping of American citizens, offering a reward of up to $10 million for information on his whereabouts. Kataib Hezbollah, part of Iraq’s PMF, operates with significant autonomy. The announcement, issued through the Rewards for Justice programme, also confirmed that a US strike carried out on 17 March targeting a site in Baghdad’s Jadiriyah district did not kill al-Hamidawi, despite earlier speculation. The programme said al-Hamidawi was involved in “killing innocent civilians, kidnapping American citizens, and carrying out attacks on facilities”. “Accordingly, we are offering a reward of up to $10 million for information on Ahmed al-Hamidawi,” it added, calling for assistance in “stopping the violence”. The announcement included a photograph of al-Hamidawi, who rarely appears in public and is typically seen wearing a face covering.