Understanding Iran-Backed Shiite Militia Activity in Iraq
Introduction: The Muqawama Phenomenon
In the aftermath of the 2003 Iraq war, a new security landscape emerged, giving rise to numerous Shiite militias that identify with the concept of Muqawama, or resistance. These militias, predominantly backed by Iran, have been pivotal in shaping Iraq’s internal and external security dynamics.
The Backbone: Key Iran-Backed Militias
Understanding the Shiite militia landscape requires a look at the key players:
- Kataib Hizbullah (KH): Established in 2003, KH is a staunch supporter of Iranian policies in Iraq.
- Asaib Ahl al-Haqq (AAH): Founded in 2006, AAH has been a significant player in the Shiite militia ecosystem.
- Haraka Hizbullah al-Nujaba (HHN): Formed in 2013, HHN is another prominent Iran-backed militia.
Facade Groups: The New Faces of Resistance
In recent years, facade groups like Ashab al-Kahf and Qasim al-Jabarin have emerged, often acting as proxies for larger militias like KH and AAH. These groups adopt the Muqawama narrative, portraying themselves as the frontline resistance against foreign forces.
The Targets: A Tactical Approach
Iran-backed militias have primarily targeted three types of entities:
- US and Coalition Targets: The militias view US forces as occupiers, focusing on attacks against military bases and convoys.
- Turkish Bases: With Turkey’s increasing involvement in northern Iraq, these militias have directed their attention towards Turkish military installations.
- ‘Un-Islamic’ Activities: Militias have also targeted establishments considered to be against Islamic principles, such as liquor stores.
Shifting Strategies: Phases of Militia Activity
Understanding the evolution of militia activities can be broken down into three distinct phases:
Phase 1: Heightened US-Iran Tensions (June 2019 — December 2020)
The assassination of Qassim Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in January 2020 escalated tensions between the US and Iran, leading to increased militia attacks on US targets in Iraq.
Phase 2: Intra-Militia Rivalry and JCPOA Talks (October 2020 — September 2021)
The conditional truce declared by Iran-backed militias coincided with the US presidential elections and the revival of JCPOA talks, leading to a shift in militia targets and strategies.
Phase 3: US Withdrawal and Political Shifts (October 2021 — Present)
The withdrawal of US combat roles from Iraq and the results of the 2021 Iraqi elections marked a shift in militia focus, with increased attacks on Turkish targets and domestic political maneuvering.
The Underlying Rivalry: Targeting Liquor Stores
The targeting of liquor stores, massage parlors, and nightclubs by Iran-backed militias isn’t merely about religious principles but also reflects intra-militia competition and revenue generation strategies.
The Turkish Front: A New Theater of Conflict
Iran-backed militias have increasingly targeted Turkish military bases, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and tactical alliances with groups like the PKK.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Militia Activity
With favorable political conditions and reduced foreign presence, Iran-backed militias in Iraq are poised to consolidate their gains and potentially escalate operations against foreign forces.
Conclusion
The intricate web of Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq operates at the intersection of geopolitics, domestic politics, and tactical considerations. As the security landscape continues to evolve, understanding these militias’ strategies and objectives is crucial for predicting future developments.
FAQs
1. What is the Muqawama? The term Muqawama refers to the concept of resistance against foreign forces, often used by Shiite militias in Iraq to justify their activities.
2. How do facade groups differ from traditional militias? Facade groups act as proxies for larger, more established militias, adopting the Muqawama narrative while allowing the parent militia to maintain plausible deniability.
3. What drives the shifting targets of Iran-backed militias? Militia targets evolve based on US-Iran tensions, intra-militia rivalry, and domestic political developments in Iraq.
4. Why do Iran-backed militias target liquor stores and other ‘un-Islamic’ establishments? Beyond religious motivations, these attacks reflect intra-militia competition and revenue generation strategies.
5. What does the future hold for Iran-backed militias in Iraq? With favorable political conditions and reduced foreign presence, Iran-backed militias are likely to consolidate their gains and potentially escalate operations against foreign forces.
