A flurry of airstrikes against an Iraqi militia base in the eastern
Syrian border town of Al-Bukamal killed at least 18 people, according to
the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The 18 killed were presented as “pro-Iranian forces,”
though in reality they are Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), part of
the Iraqi government and often branded as Iran-linked by Israel because
they’re both Shi’ite.
Since Israel has been attacking PMF forces inside Iraq recently, it is widely believed that Israel is behind this attack inside Syria as well, though so far there has been no confirmation, and some are speculating that the US might be involved.
Israel has not commented on the attack, which is not unusual for their
attacks inside Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, has recently
bragged about his attacks on Iraq, making this something of an outlier
in that regard.
This is border. Not controlled by US or Kurds — basically open transit between Syria and Iraq not being controlled by foreigners. Why would Iranians be border guards?
What is really at stake here is for Iraq to stand the ground — and assert control of its border, highways leading up to the border, as well as Syrian side of the border. If need be, criss into Syria to protect access. And get a missile defense system to discourage further attacks on the border.
More Israeli propaganda about “Iranian proxies” in order to ramp up “justification” for an eventual war with Hezbollah.
People forget that this constant drum-beat of military action news is how wars get started. The only thing people remember once it starts is that it is “justified” because history – no matter the “history” was made by the aggressor.