US State Department Blames Iraq For Failing To Protect U.S. Troops, Including The Attack That Prompted The U.S. To Launch Airstrikes

Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, center, a commander in the Popular Mobilization Forces, attends a funeral procession of Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces) members, who were killed by U.S. airstrikes in Qaim district, in Baghdad, Iraq, Dec. 31, 2019.

Politico: State Department faults Iraq for failing to protect U.S. troops

The State Department is faulting the Iraqi government for allowing an Iranian-backed militia to attack U.S. outposts in Iraq, including one that prompted the Pentagon to respond with airstrikes Sunday.

“It’s moments like this when you see people’s true colors,” a senior State Department official told reporters Monday, referring to Iraqi officials who condemned the U.S. airstrikes, yet have not similarly denounced the Kataib Hezbollah militia for the Friday rocket barrage that killed an American contractor and wounded several U.S. soldiers.

The militia rocket attack against an Iraqi airbase in Kirkuk that hosts U.S. troops was the latest in a string of similar incidents, although the other attacks didn’t claim American lives.

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WNU Editor: The Iraqi government is in disarray right now. Protests throughout the country calling for a change in government have been ongoing for months. The Prime Minister has promised to resigned. And Iran is trying to maintain its influence while be confronted by Iraqi protesters. I am willing to bet that providing protection for US soldiers is probably at the bottom of Baghdad's priority list right now.

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