The Trump Administration has suspended all weapons deliveries to Iraq, including the delivery of Sidewinder and Maverick missiles, which were part of a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2016. The last shipment was delivered in November.
A US Air Force spokesman confirmed the pause, citing security concerns. Iraq has yet to comment on the matter.
This reflects growing US tensions with Iraq, and the Iraqi government’s interest in getting US troops out of the country. The US is threatening sanctions on Iraq for even suggesting expelling them, and military aid cuts are planned. This is likely part of the US cutting their military relationship to try to make Iraq more dependent on them.
It’s also likely that limiting anti-aircraft missiles for F-16s is a priority for the US, because of the growing number of airstrikes against Iraqi government and paramilitary targets, especially in western Iraq. Since at least some of those airstrikes are likely by the US, it’s not surprising they’d want to limit Iraq’s ability to respond or attempt to control their airspace.
Why they’d also withhold ground-attack missiles is less apparent. These were used heavily in striking ISIS, and while ISIS clearly isn’t a factor right now, it is unusual for the US to refuse to sell unnecessary weapons when they don’t pose a direct threat to US forces.
I`m sure Russia, China and Iran are more than happy to supply Iraq.
With the exception of the US’ attack on Kataib Hezbollah, last year’s air strikes against the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) along the Iraq-Syria border were carried out by Israel. The Times of Israel reported on this. They were carried out from US bases, but if anyone’s planes are being protected by the US’ blocking of missile defense sales to Iraq, it’s Israel.
Good. Now let’s get the hell out of Iraq.
Wasn’t this part of the problem with Trump calling the Ukrainians, pausing arms sales, endangering national security?
No, you are omitting he did it for personal gain.
1 mans “gain” = another’s attack on corruption. Ill take Trumps action on this.
Great, pick up your trumpU degree at the desk, wherever that is.
Go wear your Hate Trump shirt.
I was gonna get one, but the chinese vendor turned out to be one of ivankas subsidiaries….
I’m wearing a “NO WAR WITH IRAN” (on the front), with “TULSI GABBARD PRESIDENT #Stand with Tulsi” on the back, shirt.
stop repeating corporate media talking points.
Our national security? Do you think the destroyed Iraq is a threat to our national security?
Wasn’t he being sarcastic?
Interesting. To answer Ditz’ question, why hold back on ground attack missiles, well if Iraq had them they wouldn’t need U.S. air cover from regrouped IS forces.
Nor could the U.S. pick and choose which CIA rat-lined IS militia needs trimming back, and which can be let go. The Iraqis, obviously, would not care which IS are U.S./Saudi covert assets and which are not..