US Forces Arrest Hashd al-Shaabi Commander in Anbar; Tensions Rise Following Attacks on Ain al-Assad Base
In a significant development in Anbar province, US forces have arrested Aid Atullah, the commander of the Hashd al-Shaabi intelligence battalion, on charges of orchestrating attacks on the military base at Ain al-Assad. This arrest has led to strong protests from supporters of Hashd al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region.
The arrest comes in the wake of a series of rocket attacks on the Ain al-Assad base over the past two days, which have left fourteen US soldiers wounded. The base, located in Anbar province, houses both US and international coalition forces.
During a press conference on Wednesday, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated that US troops are stationed in Iraq at the request of the Iraqi government. He urged Iraqi authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attacks and emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable. "Iraq must prevent attacks on US troops and ensure justice is served," Miller stated.
Washington is currently engaged in discussions with Baghdad to address the security situation. The Iraqi federal government has announced the launch of an investigation into the attacks and confirmed the arrest of several suspects believed to be involved. Miller described this action as the appropriate response to the ongoing security challenges.
The Pentagon has confirmed the recent attack on the Ain al-Assad air base, which occurred at 9:00 p.m. on August 5. The attack was traced back to the Haditha district, where security forces discovered a Kia vehicle equipped with 10 missiles. Of these, eight were ready for launch but were successfully deactivated by engineers at the scene.
As tensions rise, the situation in Anbar province remains delicate, with both US and Iraqi authorities working to stabilize the region and prevent further violence. The arrest of Aid Atullah is seen as a critical step in addressing the threats posed by insurgent groups and ensuring the safety of military personnel stationed in Iraq.
