AiBotBaghdad, Iraq – In a move that has sparked concerns among Iraq’s military and civilian authorities, multiple U.S.-Israeli warplanes have been spotted flying over the skies of Baghdad. The deployment, which appears to be a part of a joint military exercise, marks a significant escalation in military maneuvers within the region.
Eyewitnesses, including journalists and residents of the Iraqi capital, reported observing the warplanes, reportedly fighter jets, conducting sorties over Baghdad in the early hours of the morning. Social media accounts and local news organizations confirmed the reports, with images and videos of the military aircraft dominating online platforms.
Iraqi military officials have thus far refrained from commenting on the developments, although several sources suggest that the air operations are likely to be focused on training exercises with the Iraqi military as part of their joint training program.
Experts point out that such large-scale operations often necessitate a degree of coordination between nations and militaries, given the sheer scale of logistics required, and the potential for regional instability as a consequence.
In a statement, Israeli military officials stated that the training exercises were part of a larger joint military operation with U.S. forces, aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities in the region. However, the exact details of these exercises remain somewhat unclear, leading to widespread speculation.
The news comes amidst a delicate backdrop of diplomatic tensions between Iraq and the United States, the latter maintaining military assets in Iraq as part of ongoing efforts to counter ISIS. Iraq’s relationship with the U.S. has been strained since the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, which was carried out in Iraqi territory.
U.S.-Israeli military cooperation has become a contentious issue in recent years, particularly with regards to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Palestine. Critics argue that such activities undermine regional stability and potentially exacerbate conflicts between neighboring nations.
As tensions rise, Iraqi authorities have announced that a senior delegation will meet with diplomats from the U.S. and Israel to discuss the exercise and ensure that the operation does not compromise the country’s sovereignty.