Hizbullah targets Iraq's energy sector in Basra at behest of Iran

Geostrategy Direct ^ | 1/19/2010 | Geostrategy Direct

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah has been identified as operating in Iraq's southern oil capital. Officials said Hizbullah formed insurgency cells in several Iraqi cities, including Basra. They said Hizbullah was targeting Iraqi security forces and Shi'ite politicians in the Basra region.

"Hizbullah is acting in Iran's interest, which is to take over the energy sector of Basra," an official said.

In September 2009, Hizbullah Brigades conducted a rocket attack on security forces in Basra. Other Hizbullah strikes targeted pro-Western Shi'ites aligned with the government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki.

Officials said Hizbullah was using rockets and mortars in their attacks. They said some of the weapons were improvised to enable multiple rocket and mortar strikes.

Iraqi security forces have been searching for Hizbullah cells in Basra, Baghdad and other Iraqi cities. Officials said the Hizbullah network was believed to be operating from Baghdad.

On Dec. 23, three Hizbullah members and facilitators were arrested in a security operation in southern Baghdad. The target of the security forces was said to have been responsible for Hizbullah attacks in Basra.

"After conducting preliminary questioning and examining evidence at the scene, ISF arrested the KH [Hizbullah] member and two suspected criminal accomplices without incident," a U.S. military statement said on Dec. 23.

Officials said Iran has continued to sustain Hizbullah and other Shi'ite proxies in Iraq. They said Iran could increase aid to these Shi'ite militias as the U.S. military prepares to withdraw from Iraq in 2010.

"You can look at what the Iranians do here, in terms of providing money, front businesses and other things, their impact on the political scene and politics is not in the best interests of Iraq," U.S. Army Col. Peter Newell, commander of the 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, said.