TWZ: Iranian-backed militias in Iraq step up attacks amid waning Tehran control

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have increased attacks in recent weeks, partly because Tehran has lost its grip on these groups following the launch of the U.S.-led operation Epic Fury, a retired tier-one special operator told The War Zone.

The former commando, who recently left Baghdad and now works in the private sector on energy and reconstruction projects, spoke on condition of anonymity. His remarks came hours after the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned of an imminent attack in central Baghdad and a day after the State Department announced a reward of up to $3 million for information on the perpetrators.

For years, groups such as Kataib Hezbollah have targeted U.S. and coalition bases, embassies, and other facilities in Iraq. While these militias have long received funding, weapons, intelligence, and command support from Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has historically kept them in check, the former commando explained. With the IRGC now focused on its own survival and its command structure weakened, its control over the militias has loosened.

“They were very well funded and very well supplied,” the ex-commando said. “However, now they are not getting resupplied and that is going to cause a problem with their logistics. If they keep attacking, who is going to supply them?”

The former operator added that while the loss of Iranian control has emboldened the militias to act independently, the drying up of Tehran’s financial and logistical support poses a major challenge to their long-term operational capabilities.

By Sabina Mammadli