A member of the Iraqi parliament’s Security and Defense Committee has raised concerns over potential Israeli strikes on strategic sites in Iraq. Intelligence reports suggest that locations linked to Hashd al-Shaabi leaders or areas in the southern provinces may be targeted.

Yasser Iskandar, a committee member, highlighted the vulnerabilities in Iraq’s air defense system, stating that it remains inadequate to prevent direct attacks. The warning comes amid escalating tensions between Iraq and Israel, following recent drone strikes by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq against Israeli military forces.

A source within the Iraqi Resistance Front Coordination Committee responded to the rising concerns, dismissing rumors that any of its leaders had fled the country. While acknowledging the risk of targeted strikes against their leaders, the source emphasized that movement and communication among them have been significantly minimized to mitigate risks.

Tensions have been on the rise after Islamic Resistance drone attacks reportedly killed two Israeli soldiers and injured over 20 others. These strikes were believed to be in retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, which further escalated the volatile situation.

In response to the potential for Israeli retaliation, Iraq’s Armed Forces spokesperson, Lieutenant General Yehia Rasool, assured the public that measures have been taken to safeguard Iraqi airspace. While he acknowledged that Iraq's air defense is still under development, Rasool emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening these capabilities.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has prioritized enhancing Iraq's air defense systems, including securing a recent defense agreement with South Korea for advanced aircraft and air defense technology. This move is seen as part of the broader effort to better protect Iraq against external threats and ensure the nation's airspace security.