Pro-Iran group threatens French interests in Iraq and region

The pro-Iranian Iraqi Shiite armed group Ashab al-Kahf has threatened to target French interests in Iraq and elsewhere in the region following the arrival of a French aircraft carrier in the operational area of the United States Central Command.

The group issued the warning in a statement published on its official Telegram channel.

“In connection with the arrival of the French aircraft carrier in the area of operations of the US Central Command and its participation in operations, we declare this evening that all French interests in Iraq and the region will be targeted,” the statement said.

Ashab al-Kahf also issued a warning directed at local security personnel operating near locations where French forces are stationed.

“Therefore, we call on our brothers from the security forces to keep a distance of 500 meters from the area of the base in Iraqi Kurdistan where French troops are stationed, for their own safety,” the group said.

“Recent events are only the beginning of a larger operation,” the statement concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova