The Islamic Resistance in Iraq declared it will suspend all military operations for 14 days. The announcement came after American journalist Charles Kittleson was released from captivity, according to Senator Marco Rubio.
Kittleson, who had been held by unidentified militants, returned to U.S. custody Tuesday morning. Rubio confirmed the release but provided no details about the circumstances of the journalist's capture or the negotiations that secured his freedom. The timing of Kittleson's release immediately preceded the Islamic Resistance's suspension announcement, though the group did not claim responsibility for holding him.
U.S. forces operate from several bases across the country, including Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq and facilities in Erbil and Baghdad. The militia had launched dozens of rocket and drone strikes against these positions, often claiming the attacks in statements posted to Telegram channels affiliated with the group.
The two-week pause could provide breathing room for diplomatic efforts between Washington and Baghdad regarding the future of U.S. troop presence in Iraq. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's government has faced increasing pressure from Iran-backed factions to set a timeline for American withdrawal. The Islamic Resistance's suspension may signal a temporary de-escalation while political negotiations continue behind closed doors.
The militia's statement specified the suspension covers "all military operations" without mentioning any conditions or demands. The group did not indicate whether the pause might be extended beyond two weeks or what factors would determine its decision to resume attacks. U.S. military officials have not publicly responded to the announcement or indicated whether they will adjust force protection levels at Iraqi bases during this period.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq declared it will suspend all military operations for 14 days, according to a statement released Tuesday. The Iran-aligned militia group has conducted numerous attacks against U.S. forces and interests across Iraq since October 2023. The announcement came hours after American journalist Charles Kittleson walked free following what Senator Marco Rubio described as "weeks of captivity" at the hands of Iraqi militants.
Kittleson, who had been held by unidentified Iraqi militants, returned to U.S. custody Tuesday morning. Rubio confirmed the release but provided no details about the circumstances of the journalist's capture or the negotiations that secured his freedom. The timing of Kittleson's release immediately preceded the Islamic Resistance's suspension announcement, though the group did not claim responsibility for holding him.
The Islamic Resistance's suspension removes the primary source of attacks against American military installations in Iraq. U.S. forces operate from several bases across the country, including Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq and facilities in Erbil and Baghdad. The militia had launched dozens of rocket and drone strikes against these positions, often claiming the attacks in statements posted to Telegram channels affiliated with the group.
The two-week pause could provide breathing room for diplomatic efforts between Washington and Baghdad regarding the future of U.S. troop presence in Iraq. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's government has faced increasing pressure from Iran-backed factions to set a timeline for American withdrawal. The Islamic Resistance's suspension may signal a temporary de-escalation while political negotiations continue behind closed doors.
The militia's statement specified the suspension covers "all military operations" without mentioning any conditions or demands. The group did not indicate whether the pause might be extended beyond two weeks or what factors would determine its decision to resume attacks. U.S. military officials have not publicly responded to the announcement or indicated whether they will adjust force protection levels at Iraqi bases during this period.
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