Since the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Iraqi Prime Minister reiterated on Thursday January 18 his call for the international coalition, deployed since 2014 to fight against Daesh, to leave Iraq. This request comes in a context of regional tensions, where the country is suffering the repercussions of the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
2 mins
Coalition forces have been fueling tensions since October 7. They are regularly the target of attacks and retaliate occasionally, straining relations with the Iraqi state, recalls our correspondent in Baghdad, Marie-Charlotte Roupie.
Imad Alow, security expert, sheds light on the departure requested by Baghdad: “ The risk represented by Daesh in Iraq is no longer the first security priority. And in reality, the motivation behind this decision is the belief that these forces have exceeded their mandate authorizing them to fight Daesh. When they attacked the bases of Hashd al-Shaabi, fighters attached to the army, it was considered a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. »
Washington confirmed on January 4 having carried out a targeted strike against the pro-Iranian armed group Hachd al-Chaabi, killing a commander and another leader. “ This strike was an act of self-defense » and aimed at a leader “ actively involved in organizing and carrying out attacks against American troops “, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder told reporters at the time. The armed factions of the Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi have been the target of bombings on several occasions, some of which were claimed by the United States, a country that pro-Iranian factions despise for its support of Israel in its war against Hamas.
Read alsoIraq “firmly” determined to put an end to the presence of the anti-jihadist coalition on its soil
A timetable for a concerted departure
The Iraqi Parliament, in 2020, already demanded this departure after the death in Baghdad of the Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi el-Mohandis, in an American strike. But this time, Gaza and Western discourses of support for Israel fueled tensions, according to the expert. “ This added additional pressure on Iraqi leaders to demand the departure of foreign forces, analyzes Imad Alow. But if this were to be done without consultation, it would impact the security of civilians in Iraq. »
Iraq therefore calls for opening discussions to reach an agreement and establish a timetable for a concerted departure.