Israeli Air Force Intercepts Drones From Iraq Linked to Iranian-Backed Militias

On Wednesday, Israeli intelligence revealed that three drones launched from Iraq attempted to infiltrate Israeli airspace but were successfully intercepted by the Israeli Air Force. Initial assessments considered the possibility that the drones belonged to a friendly foreign military, but this was ruled out after standard intelligence checks. Further investigation excluded Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis as direct operators, focusing instead on pro-Iranian Shiite militias operating within Iraq.

These militias, nurtured and armed over the years by the late Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and his deputy Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, continue to receive Iranian support despite their leaders’ deaths in 2020. Among the most active are the Islamic Resistance militia in Iraq, the Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq, and the extremist Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement, all equipped with Iranian-made missiles and drones.

Since November 2023, Iran has reportedly authorized these militias to launch missile attacks against Israel, expanding the conflict’s frontlines. Israeli sources estimate that about 90% of drone threats from Iraq have been intercepted, aided by early warnings from the U.S. and allied countries. Recent drone attacks have targeted Israeli bases in Eilat and the Golan Heights, causing damage in March and October 2024 respectively.

Israeli officials have issued stern warnings to the Iraqi government, some conveyed through American diplomats, demanding control over these militias to prevent further attacks. Jerusalem has threatened retaliatory strikes against Iraqi national infrastructure if assaults continue. Security analysts believe the drone launches were a demonstration of operational capability and a warning from Iran via its Iraqi proxies, signaling readiness for broader action should the U.S. or Israel strike Iran or Lebanon.

The Israeli government is currently evaluating its response as intelligence efforts continue to close the investigative loop on the drone attacks’ origins and implications.