Iran/Iraq
FLASH. USAF targeted Iranian sites in Iraq in response to the rocket attack by Iranian supported militias. Targets on the Iraqi/Syria border . At least 3 Iranian officers among the estimated 25 dead with an additional 35 wounded.
Iran is threatening the right to retaliate.
Us bagdad embassy reportedly removing non-essential personnel.
High threat of escalation.
Miayat Sana,
The Hundred Years, the funded Islamic plan to overthrow the West of every political idea from Marxism to Capitalism, and every religion from Christianity to Jewry, and mandate the Caliphate, the community organized Islam ruling with Sharia Law.
Iraq/Iran
Setting. Last Friday a US base near Kirkuk was hit with 30 rockets, killing a civilian American contractor and wounding many others. After finding the improvised multiple rocket launcher pentagon attributed that strike to Kataeb Hezbollah, using the initials KH. KH has a strong linkage with Irans Quds Force and has repeatedly received lethal aid and other support from Iran that it has used to attack OIR coalition forces,. The link to Iran was further confirmed by 4 rockets that failed to launch - all from Iran.
Sunday usaf jets struck 5 targets of KH at a base on the border of iraq and Syria, killing at least three senior Iranian officers and several dozen others.
Today a group called Popular Mobilization brigades which is possibly a cover organization for Iranian backed militias, announced they are preparing to drive America out of Iraq. Hezbollah in Lebanon announced support for Iraqi factions. This morning there are reports of a Malaysian tanker being captured by Iranian forces.
Assessment. Since October 28, at least 11 attacks have targeted Iraqi military bases where US soldiers or diplomats are deployed, including five rockets that hit Al-Asad air base on December 3, just four days after US Vice President Mike Pence visited troops there. Iran probably saw lack of US kinetic response as a sign of weakness. Yesterdays air strikes indicate that the red line was crossed and restraint will no longer be in game. This comes as protests by iraqis against corruption and rule by Iran supported factions continue. The Iranian backed militias are hard to hide from these locals and could provide a wealth of targeting intel.
Path forward. Iran likely to continue to let their dirty work be done by these militias but it will come at a price both to their economy and support at home. Irans funding of Hezbollah in Lebanon, trying to establish bases to strike Israel from Syria, securing a land supply route to Syria have cost a lot. Throw in support to Houthi rebels, up tempo threats by navy and expanding their nuclear program AND dealing with the largest internal unrest in recent times has Iran burning the candle from multiple sources.
Potential for other attacks - high.
N Korea
The govt has been unusually silent since about December 15th, as leadership meetings continue. OSINT and other observers note this to be highly unusual. Airborne surveillance has dropped slightly and Ive not seen any indications of an event in the very near future. The silence is loud.
Afghanistan
Reported truce with Taliban. Developing.
Libya
Turkey deploying surface naval ships and troops to Tripoli as its involvement in the civil war there increases.