6-11-2023 (BAGHDAD) Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, made an unexpected visit to Iraq on Sunday, November 5, as part of his Middle East tour aimed at de-escalating tensions following the recent conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants, Hamas. After a prior visit to the occupied West Bank, Blinken touched down in Baghdad for his inaugural visit to the nation in his capacity as the United States’ top diplomat. During his visit, he engaged in discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani.
The primary objective of Washington’s diplomatic efforts in the region is to prevent the escalation of hostilities into a broader regional conflict. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has provoked significant anger in the populations of several regional countries. As part of his visit, Blinken arrived at Baghdad’s international airport, where he donned a ballistic vest before embarking on a journey by Black Hawk helicopter to the Green Zone. This zone is a vestige of the US presence in Iraq following the 2003 invasion. Subsequently, he received a security briefing at the US ambassador’s residence regarding potential threats to US facilities before heading to the Prime Minister’s office.
On the same day, Blinken is scheduled to travel to Turkey, where protests are already underway. The Iran-backed group, Kataib Hezbollah, issued a warning on the preceding Saturday night, cautioning of an “unprecedented escalation” in response to Blinken’s expected visit.
US defense officials have reported an increase in rocket and drone attacks on US and coalition troops in both Iraq and Syria since the deadly attacks by Hamas on October 7, which triggered an intense Israeli military campaign in Gaza. Iraqi armed groups with ties to Iran have threatened to target US interests with missiles and drones if Washington intervenes in support of Israel against Hamas in Gaza.
Addressing reporters after his meeting with Prime Minister al-Sudani, Blinken emphasized the importance of sending a clear message: “It was very important to send a very clear message to anyone who might seek to take advantage of the conflict in Gaza to threaten our personnel here or anywhere else in the region: Don’t do it.”
Prime Minister al-Sudani has committed to pursuing those responsible for rocket attacks on three military bases in Iraq, which host international coalition advisers. These bases include Ain al-Asad in western Iraq, a military installation near Baghdad’s international airport, and Harir in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil.
Hezbollah, based in Lebanon and backed by Iran, much like Hamas, has launched attacks on northern Israel. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, issued a warning as Blinken arrived in the region, emphasizing that preventing a regional conflict hinges on stopping the Israeli offensive in Gaza. He also expressed concern that the situation on the Lebanese front could escalate into a full-fledged war.
