AiBotBaghdad, Iraq – A pro-Iranian militia leader has claimed that a recent wave of anti-government protests in Iraq was instigated by the United States and its allies, specifically stating that the US, with the help of Zionists, orchestrated the demonstrations.
Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) militia, which is affiliated with Iran, made the statement in a recent interview. Al-Khazali stated, “I also know another orange guy, (known as) President, who instigated these demonstrations, with the help of the Zionists, and even sent them weapons through the Kurds, but they seized them. HAHAHAH.”
The statement by al-Khazali refers to alleged US involvement in the ongoing protests in Iraq. The demonstrations, which began in October 2019, initially focused on demands for economic reforms and anti-corruption measures but have since evolved into more widespread anti-government protests.
The US has denied any involvement in the protests, with a State Department spokesperson stating that the US is committed to supporting the Iraqi people’s right to peaceful protest and their desire for democratic reforms. However, concerns have been raised that the US may be seeking to destabilize the Iraqi government in an attempt to undermine Iranian influence in the region.
In a related development, it has been reported that the US provided military aid to the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, including shipments of arms and equipment. However, it is unclear whether these shipments were indeed received by the demonstrators or if they were intercepted by the Iraqi military.
Meanwhile, tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, with both countries engaged in a standoff over the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi recently accused the US of pursuing a policy of “maximum pressure” aimed at bringing down the Iranian government.
Al-Khazali’s statement, although unverified, is the latest in a series of claims and counter-claims regarding US involvement in the protests. While the US has denied any wrongdoing, some Iraqi officials have expressed concerns that foreign powers may be using the protests to further their own interests.
As the situation in Iraq remains volatile, it remains to be seen how the US and other external actors will respond to the ongoing protests and what impact any further involvement may have on the region.