Iran Attacks Iraqi Kurdistan And Syria

The Revolutionary Guards claimed via Iranian mainstream media to have launched a missile attack against 'terrorist groups' in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan and Idlib in Syria. This is in response to the bloody attack of 3rd January, near the grave of General Qassem Soleimani in Kerman, that left hundreds wounded and dead. The rocket attacks against ISIS in Syria were almost simultaneously followed by that of Iraq. According to the official of Irna news agency, 'The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps announced the destruction of headquarters of anti-Iranian spies and terrorist groups in parts of the region with ballistic missiles'.

Furthermore, the Iraqi operation, has multiple outcomes. Iranian forces have hit Israel's foreign intelligence service, the Mossad, at a time when tensions in the Middle East are soaring high.

Another reason why the Iraqi bombing attracted huge media attention is that several explosions were reported near the US consulate.Eight targets were reportedly hit in Erbil. Five civilians died and several others have been injured in the impact.

Three drones were allegedly shot down near Erbil International Airport. The drone attack disrupted the air traffic control and interrupted the arrival and departure of flights in Erbil. According to the Arab Sky News Channel (based on IRNA), the target of the attack was the US military base located near the airport.

The Iranian reaction must be contextualised in a worsening geopolitical situation, summed up by events like the US-owned merchant ship was hit by a missile off the Yemen’s coast, the rising humanitarian crisis in Palestine and the deteriorating situation in the Red Sea. After tensions in the Red Sea, with the increasing risk of undermining imports to Europe,Qatar suspends gas shipments from the Suez Canal. What will be the next move of the Western powers?

But more importantly, what kind of development is expected around the precarious Iranian balance? Iran is in a particularly controversial position, with the eyes of the international community mainly focused on the escalations with the Yemenite Houthi, with whom it has a rather equivocal relationship. While Iran has been accused by the United States and some of its regional allies, such as Saudi Arabia, of supporting the Houthis by providing them with weapons, training, and financial support, Iran has denied these accusations, saying it only provides political and humanitarian support, given its Shiite religious proximity to the rebel group. However, there is evidence to suggest Iranian involvement, going so far as to provide weapons and logistical support to them.

The relationship between Iran and the Houthis has been an important factor in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Allegations of Iranian involvement with the Houthis have fuelled regional tensions, contributing to the escalation of the conflict. At the same time, Iranian support for the Houthis has been seen as a way for Iran to extend its influence in the region, creating concerns for the US and its Persian Gulf allies.

Ultimately, in a growing framework of imbalances, regional rifts and armed tensions, Iran not only adds to and echoes the crises in the Middle East, but may even prove to be one of the main players.

Photo source: Time Turk

Edited by: Jaya Jha

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