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The Husseiniya threshold resolves the biggest tribal conflict in Basra that has lasted for years


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Threats to American Personnel and Facilities in Iraq

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Press Statement
Michael R. Pompeo 
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
September 28, 2018

 

The President and I have no more important priority than the safety and security of American citizens, including our diplomatic, military and other officials serving abroad.

Threats to our personnel and facilities in Iraq from the Government of Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, and from militias facilitated by and under the control and direction of the Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani have increased over the past several weeks. There have been repeated incidents of indirect fire from elements of those militias directed at our Consulate General in Basrah and our Embassy in Baghdad, including within the past twenty-four hours.

I have advised the Government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere and whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias. I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks.

Given the increasing and specific threats and incitement to attack our personnel and facilities in Iraq, I have directed that an appropriate temporary relocation of diplomatic personnel in Iraq take place. We are working closely with our partners in the Government and Security Forces of Iraq to address these threats. We look to all international parties interested in peace and stability in Iraq and the region to reinforce our message to Iran regarding the unacceptability of their behavior.https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/09/286317.htm

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U.S. evacuates consulate in southern Iraq following attacks blamed on Iran-backed militias

WASHINGTON -- The State Department says the U.S. consulate in the southern Iraqi city of Basra is being evacuated following attacks blamed on Iran-backed militias. The U.S. embassy in Baghdad will provide full consular services for Basra and the surrounding area, the State Department said. 

The "ordered departure" of the consulate was announced Friday by State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted on Tuesday that Iran-supported militias "recently" launched rocket attacks against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Basra. 

w_96hmja_normal.jpg

The UN Charter calls for nations to “live together in peace with one another as good neighbors.” Has the regime in #Iran lived together with other nations in peace? Has it been a good neighbor? Look around the world and you’ll see the answer is a deafening “no.” pic.twitter.com/rv2p7DqByH

View image on Twitter
 

Recently, #Iran-supported militias in Iraq launched rocket attacks against the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and our consulate in Basra. We’ll hold #Iran’s regime accountable for any attack on our personnel or facilities, and respond swiftly and decisively in defense of American lives. pic.twitter.com/nqbmogbeCA

View image on Twitter
 
 


The move to evacuate Basra comes as the Trump administration is increasing pressure on Iran ahead of powerful sanctions set to go into effect in November.

Basra is Iraq's main port and one of its largest cities. Earlier this month, three Katyusha rockets were fired at the city's airport following a chaotic and violent night that saw hundreds of protesters burning tires on main streets and highways and setting ablaze the Iranian consulate in the city.

Protesters called for an end to endemic corruption, soaring joblessness and poor public services and have turned their rage on neighboring Iran, blaming its outsized influence in Iraq's political affairs for their misery.   https://www.cbsnews.com/news/basra-us-consulate-evacuated-today-2018-09-28/

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U.S. Pulls Diplomats From Iraqi City, Citing Threats From Iran

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Smoke rises from the Governorate Council building of Basra, Iraq September 6, 2018
Smoke rises from the Governorate Council building of Basra, Iraq September 6, 2018
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WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Sept 28 (Reuters) -

The United States announced on Friday it will effectively close its consulate in the Iraqi city of Basra and relocate diplomatic personnel assigned there following increasing threats from Iran and Iran-backed militia, including rocket fire.

The decision adds to mounting tension between the United States and Iran, which is the target of increasing U.S. economic sanctions.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as he explained the move, renewed a warning that the United States would hold Iran directly responsible for attacks on Americans and U.S. diplomatic facilities.

It followed recent rocket attacks that Pompeo said were directed at the consulate in Basra.

"I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks," Pompeo said in a statement.

Pompeo did not explicitly say whether a U.S. response was imminent, however, and other U.S. officials did not disclose potential response options.

Still, Pompeo said the threats against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq were "increasing and specific" and added that Washington was working with Iraqi forces and U.S. allies to address them.

"We look to all international parties interested in peace and stability in Iraq and the region to reinforce our message to Iran regarding the unacceptability of their behavior," he said.https://en.radiofarda.com/a/us-pull-out-diplomats-from-iraq-threats-from-iran/29515443.html

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FOREIGN POLICY

U.S. pulls diplomats from Iraqi city, blaming Iranian-backed violence

The heated rhetoric comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s effort to increase sanctions on Iran.

 

By NAHAL TOOSI

 

09/28/2018 06:08 PM EDT

The United States is pulling diplomats out of the American consulate in Basra, Iraq, in the wake of violent incidents near the facility that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed on Iran.

In making the move, Pompeo warned Iran that the U.S. will hold the country “directly responsible for any harm to Americans” perpetrated by Tehran’s military or “by associated proxy militias.”

“The United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks,” he added.

The comments are the latest in a series of stern U.S. warnings against Iran, which the Trump administration says is behind much of the mayhem throughout the Middle East. The State Department has been incensed in recent weeks because of indirect fire near U.S. facilities that it blames on Iran. State has also accused Tehran of provoking others to attack Americans.

The heated rhetoric comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s effort to increase sanctions on Iran and urge other countries to join the U.S. in its pressure campaign against the Islamist-led country.

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The American diplomats in Basra, located in southern Iraq, will be temporarily relocated, according to State, although it was not clear where they would be sent. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad will take over providing consular services to people from the Basra area, the State Department said.

Iraq has long been one of the most high-risk postings for U.S. Foreign Service officers.

In his statement, Pompeo described the Iranian threats to U.S. personnel and facilities as being from Iran’s government, its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, and from militias controlled by the Quds Force’s leader, Qasem Soleimani.

“There have been repeated incidents of indirect fire from elements of those militias directed at our Consulate General in Basra and our Embassy in Baghdad, including within the past 24 hours,” Pompeo said.

Iranian officials have denied being behind insecurity in Iraq, instead accusing the U.S. of trying to foment tensions. Iran has also accused the U.S. of having a role in a deadly attack earlier this month on a military parade in Ahvaz, Iran. U.S. officials deny any involvement.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly cast Iran as a major threat to the world, citing its sponsorship of terrorism, ballistic missile program and military involvement in other countries, including Iraq.

Trump decided earlier this year to quit the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions on Tehran that had been lifted in exchange for Iran curbing its nuclear program as part of the agreement.https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/28/us-diplomats-iraq-853269

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U.S. pull diplomats from Iraqi city, citing threats from Iran

 

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WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - The United States announced on Friday it will effectively close its consulate in the Iraqi city of Basra and relocate diplomatic personnel assigned there following increasing threats from Iran and Iran-backed militia, including rocket fire.

The decision adds to mounting tension between the United States and Iran, which is the target of increasing U.S. economic sanctions.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as he explained the move, renewed a warning that the United States would hold Iran directly responsible for any attacks on Americans and U.S. diplomatic facilities.

It followed recent rocket attacks that Pompeo said were directed at the consulate in Basra. U.S. officials said the rockets, however, had not impacted the consulate, which is located on the Basra airport compound.

“I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks,” Pompeo said in a statement.

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Pompeo did not explicitly say whether a U.S. response was imminent, however, and other U.S. officials did not disclose potential response options.

Still, Pompeo said the threats against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq were “increasing and specific” and added that Washington was working with Iraqi forces and U.S. allies to address them.

“We look to all international parties interested in peace and stability in Iraq and the region to reinforce our message to Iran regarding the unacceptability of their behavior,” he said.

‘CHAOS, DEATH AND DESTRUCTION’

In a statement, the U.S. State Department said the consulate was placed on “ordered departure,” which technically involves a drawdown in staff. Although some personnel could remain on the diplomatic compound, the move is believed to effectively close the consulate, at least temporarily.

The decision came days after U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani exchanged taunts at the United Nations General Assembly, with Trump vowing more sanctions and accusing Iran’s leaders of sowing “chaos, death and destruction.”

Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, speaking at a nearby event in New York on Tuesday, warned “there will indeed be hell to pay” if Iran crosses the United States, its allies or harms U.S. citizens.

In May, Trump withdrew the United States from an international deal to put curbs on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions.

France, Britain, Germany, China and Russia have stayed in the pact, vowing to save it despite the restoration of U.S. sanctions. The rial has lost 40 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar since April.

Iran has blamed U.S. sanctions for the currency’s fall, saying the measures amount to a “political, psychological and economic” war on Tehran, and accused the United States and Israel of involvement in a deadly attack at a military parade in southwestern Iran this month. [nL8N1WA0RF]

Basra has already been rocked by violent protests seen by experts as a rejection of the Iraqi political establishment that has held on to power — with the support of the United States and Iran — despite failing to improve people’s lives there.

Protesters in Basra ransacked and torched Iraqi government buildings this month and the Iranian consulate was set alight by demonstrators shouting condemnation of what many see as Iran’s sway over Iraq’s affairs.

 

For the first time in several years, mortar shells also landed this month inside Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses parliament, government buildings and many foreign embassies.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iraq/u-s-pull-diplomats-from-iraqi-city-citing-threats-from-iran-idUSKCN1M82NH?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+(Reuters+World+News)&&rpc=401

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US pulls staff from Iraq, citing security threats from Iran

By Zachary Cohen, Elise Labott and Barbara Starr, CNN

 

Updated 5:23 PM ET, Fri September 28, 2018

 
 
 
 
Bolton to Iran: Hell to pay if you cross us

 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Bolton to Iran: Hell to pay if you cross us 01:35

Washington (CNN)The State Department announced Friday that it has ordered all non-essential personnel leave the US consulate in Basra, Iraq.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cited threats from Iran in a statement and a senior US official told CNN that the decision to place the facility on "ordered departure" was prompted by "security threats from Iran."
"US Embassy Baghdad will continue to provide consular services to US citizens in Basrah." the State Department said in a statement.
The State Department also updated its travel advisory for Iraq Friday to note the order.
 
 
"Threats to our personnel and facilities in Iraq from the Government of Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, and from militias facilitated by and under the control and direction of the Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani have increased over the past several weeks," Pompeo said in a statement.
Pompeo noted that "there have been repeated incidents of indirect fire from elements of those militias directed at our Consulate General in Basrah and our Embassy in Baghdad, including within the past twenty-four hours."
"I have advised the Government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere and whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias," he said.
CNN also reported on Thursday that a US intelligence assessment conducted in recent days has concluded that Iranian-backed militias and proxy forces could be planning a strike against US military forces or interests in the Middle East, according to three defense officials.
Officials would not describe the specific intelligence, but in addition to monitoring public statements from Iran, the US intelligence community is capable of using overhead satellites and communication intercepts.
Using proxies could make it difficult for US intelligence to readily identify targets to strike.
But Pompeo, in a recent CNN interview, made it clear Iran's use of militias and proxies throughout the Middle East could provoke a US military response if US interests come under attack. "They're going to be held accountable. If they're responsible for the arming and training of these militias, we're going to go to the source."
A spokesman for the US-led coalition in Iraq said Friday that the military was tracking "two points of impact from strikes near the US Basra Diplomat Consulate, but nothing was hit and no injuries. No one has taken credit for this unsuccessful attempt," Col. Sean Ryan told CNN early Friday morning.
On Thursday, multiple residents in Basra told CNN that rockets were fired towards Basra International Airport in the very early hours of Friday, but that they neither struck inside airport grounds nor the US Consulate which is located near the airport.
National security adviser John Bolton's issued a stark warning to Iran at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, "If you cross us, our allies, or our partners; if you harm our citizens; if you continue to lie, cheat, and deceive, yes, there will indeed be hell to pay."
On Wednesday, while hosting a meeting on non-proliferation, President Donald Trump added a warning.
"Any individual or entity that fails to comply will face severe consequences," he said.
Bolton said that the Trump administration is also implementing measures to specifically target Soleimani, who heads the Revolutionary Guard Corps.
"The Trump administration has launched a pressure campaign to counter Soleimani's insidious design," Bolton said.
Responding to Trump's comments on Wednesday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that the US is the problem: an isolated violator of international laws led by a team of political and diplomatic novices that is earning the world's disapproval.

 

 
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US shuts consulate in Iraq’s Basra, blames ‘indirect fire’

1325631-1868658715.jpg?itok=1IGWyNiN
Iraqis demanded better public services and jobs in a demonstration in Basra on Friday. (AP)
Updated 24 sec ago
AFP
September 28, 201823:44
136
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • The “ordered departure” of the consulate was announced Friday
  • I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks: Pompeo

NEW YORK: The United States on Friday shut its consulate in the protest-hit southern Iraqi city of Basra, blaming “indirect fire” by Iran-backed forces and warning its rival of retaliation for any damage.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ordered that all but emergency staff leave Basra, with consular duties to be taken over by the embassy in Baghdad.
Basra has been rocked by weeks of demonstrations by Iraqis protesting unemployment and government inefficiency in the oil-rich south.
Pompeo, who has made rolling back Iranian influence in the region a top priority, blamed militias linked to Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards for “indirect fire” — which usually means rockets or artillery — against the US consulate.
“I have advised the government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere and whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias,” he said in a statement while in New York to attend the UN General Assembly.
“I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks,” he added.
Ruled by Shiite clerics, Iran has a strong influence in Iraq, especially in the country’s Shiite-majority south.
Iran’s consulate itself was earlier burned down during the protests, although no one was injured and Tehran quickly opened a new mission.
Iran’s foreign ministry earlier called US allegations of fomenting violence in Basra “astonishing, provocative and irresponsible.”
Speaking at the General Assembly, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also dismissed the US criticism of involvement in its neighbor, questioning why Washington itself was involved in a country so far away.
Earlier this month three mortar rounds also hit the fortified Green Zone area in Baghdad, home to the US embassy, without causing injuries and with the perpetrators unclear.
Diplomatic security is a key priority for the United States and Pompeo, who as a congressman went on the offensive against former secretary of state Hillarious Clinton over a deadly attack on the US consulate in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1379466/middle-east

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US closing consulate in Iraq, citing security risks from Iran

BY JOHN BOWDEN - 09/28/18 04:46 PM EDT 47
6
 
 
 
 
 
 
US closing consulate in Iraq, citing security risks from Iran
© UPI Photo

The State Department said Friday that it will close a U.S. consulate in Basrah, Iraq, citing increased security threats from Iran and Iranian-backed militant groups in the region.

In a statement Friday, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had ordered the consulate temporarily shuttered, providing little other details.

"U.S. Embassy Baghdad will continue to provide full consular services to for those in and around Basrah," Nauert said in the statement. "We remain strongly committed to supporting Iraqis in the southern provinces and throughout the country."

A travel advisory on the State Department's website dated Friday lists the country at a Level 4, advising against travel to the country. "Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism and armed conflict," the advisory read.

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that administration officials said the threat stems from Iranian-supported forces in the region following last week's deadly terrorist attack during an Iranian military parade.

In a message to Iranian officials Friday, Pompeo warned Iran against future threats and asserted that the U.S. was not involved in the attack in Tehran.

"I have advised the Government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere and whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias," Pompeo said in a statement Friday afternoon. 

"I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks," he added.

“Bottom line, if we are attacked we’ll respond,” a U.S. official told the Journal. "We’ll respond swiftly and effectively, and it will not be at proxies," the official added.

A senior Islamic cleric in Iran issued a veiled threat at the U.S. earlier Friday, warning that U.S. military bases would not be "safe" if the Trump administration pursues conflict with Iran.

“If America does anything wrong, their bases around Iran would not remain secure,” Tehran Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Mohammadali Movahedi Kermani said, according to state media.

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/409029-us-closing-consulate-in-iraq-citing-security-risks-from-iran

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Mourners chant anti government slogans while carrying the Iraqi flag-draped coffin of Mekki Yasser, a protester whose family and activists said he was killed when he participated in a protest last night, during his funeral on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018

Safety Concerns Push US State Dept. to Close Consulate in Basra, Iraq

© AP Photo / Nabil al-Jurani
MIDDLE EAST
23:03 28.09.2018(updated 00:43 29.09.2018)Get short URL
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The US State Department is set to close down its diplomatic presence in Basra, Iraq, and evacuate personnel stationed there amid violent protests, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday afternoon. The State Department confirmed that the consulate was placed "on ordered departure" shortly after the news broke.

Southern Iraqi cities have seen protests over corruption, unemployment and lack of basic services in recent weeks, Sputnik News has reported, resulting in 14 fatalities and hundreds more wounded among police and protesters alike. US is shutting its consulate in Basra after weeks of protests and unrest in the city pic.twitter.com/JA82KtGwPC

Iraqi analyst Qai al-Muatasem explained in an July interview with Sputnik that "the province of Basra gives the Iraqi government more than 95 percent of the oil extracted on its territory. At the same time, people are suffering from the lack of elementary things, for example, drinking water and electricity…The Iraqi people have found themselves amid a crisis."   

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the closure came after "increasing and specific" threats made against American infrastructure in Iraq by Iran, including indirect fire at the consulate. He also said he'd warned the government of Iran that they will be held responsible for any harm that comes to US personnel or facilities from what he called Iran's proxy forces. 

 

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201809281068440222-Safety-Concerns-Push-US-State-Department-Close-Consulate-Basra-Iraq/

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121494.jpg?width=750&&height=375

 
2018/09/28 23:14
  • Number of readings 180
  • Section: Iraq
  •  

Washington is closing its consulate in Basra

 

 

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The United States has decided to close its consulate in Basra because of violence there, Reuters reported on Friday (September 28th, 2018), quoting undisclosed sources .

Basra has seen in the past few months, angry protests, demanding the provision of services, foremost of which is potable water and electricity, resulting in dozens of dead and wounded demonstrators.

 

Follow the obelisk - agencies

 

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/151493/واشنطن-بصدد-اغلاق-قنصليتها-في-البصرة

 

 
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1 hour ago, SocalDinar said:

This article should have its own thread. 

 

Thanks 3N1

 

agree socal , iraq the M.E. in general is lets just say unstable at best  imo . 

I would not put the missle attacks pass anyone inside or out of Iraq sadar has never liked or wanted usa on iraqi sand period , sadar has always viewed like most everyone around the world that america is the cause of all the earths trouble .... Peace

Edited by 3n1
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US Evacuating Consulate In Iraq, Citing Threats From Iran

Profile picture for user Tyler Durden
Fri, 09/28/2018 - 18:30

On Friday the State Department announced it is evacuating all non-essential personnel from the US consulate in Basra, Iraq.

The drastic move comes after a month of heavy anti-Iran and anti-Iraqi government protests that have gripped the southern city, which has led to sectarian rioting and the burning of Shia militia buildings, as well as the torching of the Iranian consulate early this month. During the first week of September the US embassy in Baghdad's green zone also came under attack by mortar fire, which US officials and military analysts blamed on Iran-backed militias. 

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cited threats from Iran as the reason for ordering the Basra consulate evacuation, and in a separate statement a senior US official confirmed to CNN that the "ordered departure" was due to "security threats from Iran." 

Basra%20protests.jpg Protesters in Basra torched Iraqi government buildings in early September. Image source: AFP

"US Embassy Baghdad will continue to provide consular services to US citizens in Basra," the State Department said in its statement referencing the massive and highly fortified US compound in Iraq's capital, which the Basra consul staff will evacuate to. It also issued an updated travel advisory for Iraq noting the removal of non-essential personnel from Basra. 

Pompeo explained the evacuation order further as, "Threats to our personnel and facilities in Iraq from the Government of Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, and from militias facilitated by and under the control and direction of the Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani have increased over the past several weeks."

Pompeo further noted that "there have been repeated incidents of indirect fire from elements of those militias directed at our Consulate General in Basrah and our Embassy in Baghdad, including within the past twenty-four hours."

The US Consulate in Basra, view from within the security perimeter:

Basra%20US%20consulate.jpg US Consulate Basra, Image source: US Consulate Basrah/Facebook

"I have advised the Government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere and whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias," the Secretary of State said. 

A number of Iraqi cities exploded in anti-government protests in the first week of September, which had strong sectarian element as largely Sunni demonstrations demanded the end of Iranian influence on the Baghdad government and the retreat of Shia Iran-backed militias.

But also amidst the early September protests ten pro-Iran Shia militias in the country had published a statement vowing to expel foreign troops and advisers by force if they didn't immediately leave Iraq. 

“We will deal with them [foreign troops in Iraq] as occupying forces, and we will use our legitimate rights by employing all possible means to force them out of the country,” the Iraqi factions warned, adding that foreign troops were "in their sights". The statement also alleged an “Anglo-American-led dirty and dangerous conspiracy to impose a devilish coalition” on the people of Iraq which seeks to weaken the government and make Baghdad a puppet of Brett McGurk, who is the White House appointed special envoy for the anti-ISIL coalition. 

Meanwhile in a speech given before Friday worshipers in Tehran Iranian officials issued threats against the United States military, and laid down "red lines" against US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Iran has blamed the US and its Gulf allies for sponsoring a terrorist attack on a military parade in the southwest city of Ahvaz last Saturday which killed 25, including IRGC personnel among the victims. 

"If America does anything wrong, their bases around Iran would not remain secure," Ayatollah Mohammadali Movahedi Kermani was quoted as saying by Mizan news agency while leading Friday prayers in Tehran

And simultaneously the Fars news agency quoted Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of the IRGC, as saying in reference to the Saudis and Emirates: “If you cross our red lines, we will surely cross yours. You know the storm the Iranian nation can create."

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-09-28/us-evacuating-consulate-iraq-citing-threats-iran

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IMHO - It sure seems that the recent attacks in Basra and the threats to the Straights of Hormuz by the Insanians (1) are designed to provoke or pick a fight with the US.

 

Thus the Insanians (1) can jump up and down and cry American aggression, America attacked Iran and blah, blah, blah.

 

It will be interesting to watch the rhetoric develop in the next 30 days, leading up to the fresh sanctions against Iran in early November.

I think we all can be reassured that President Trump, Secretary Pompeo and Mad Dog Mattis have plans in place to put a quick and decisive end to any Iranian :bs:

Semper Fi :salute:

 

"Mess with the best, die like the rest"

                  anonymous

(1) - Synopsis

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https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/28/politics/us-consulate-basra-evacuation/index.html

Washington (CNN)The State Department announced Friday that it has ordered all non-essential personnel leave the US consulate in Basra, Iraq.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cited threats from Iran in a statement and a senior US official told CNN that the decision to place the facility on "ordered departure" was prompted by "security threats from Iran."
 
"US Embassy Baghdad will continue to provide consular services to US citizens in Basrah." the State Department said in a statement.

The State Department also updated its travel advisory for Iraq Friday to note the order.
 
"Threats to our personnel and facilities in Iraq from the Government of Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, and from militias facilitated by and under the control and direction of the Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani have increased over the past several weeks," Pompeo said in a statement.
 
Pompeo noted that "there have been repeated incidents of indirect fire from elements of those militias directed at our Consulate General in Basrah and our Embassy in Baghdad, including within the past twenty-four hours."

"I have advised the Government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere and whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias," he said.

CNN also reported on Thursday that a US intelligence assessment conducted in recent days has concluded that Iranian-backed militias and proxy forces could be planning a strike against US military forces or interests in the Middle East, according to three defense officials.

Officials would not describe the specific intelligence, but in addition to monitoring public statements from Iran, the US intelligence community is capable of using overhead satellites and communication intercepts.

Using proxies could make it difficult for US intelligence to readily identify targets to strike.

But Pompeo, in a recent CNN interview, made it clear Iran's use of militias and proxies throughout the Middle East could provoke a US military response if US interests come under attack. "They're going to be held accountable. If they're responsible for the arming and training of these militias, we're going to go to the source."

A spokesman for the US-led coalition in Iraq said Friday that the military was tracking "two points of impact from strikes near the US Basra Diplomat Consulate, but nothing was hit and no injuries. No one has taken credit for this unsuccessful attempt," Col. Sean Ryan told CNN early Friday morning.

On Thursday, multiple residents in Basra told CNN that rockets were fired towards Basra International Airport in the very early hours of Friday, but that they neither struck inside airport grounds nor the US Consulate which is located near the airport.

National security adviser John Bolton's issued a stark warning to Iran at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, "If you cross us, our allies, or our partners; if you harm our citizens; if you continue to lie, cheat, and deceive, yes, there will indeed be hell to pay."

On Wednesday, while hosting a meeting on non-proliferation, President Donald Trump added a warning.

"Any individual or entity that fails to comply will face severe consequences," he said.
Bolton said that the Trump administration is also implementing measures to specifically target Soleimani, who heads the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

"The Trump administration has launched a pressure campaign to counter Soleimani's insidious design," Bolton said.

Responding to Trump's comments on Wednesday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that the US is the problem: an isolated violator of international laws led by a team of political and diplomatic novices that is earning the world's disapproval.
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Agreed Pitcher, I'm pretty sure Iran is really embarrassed by these terrorist coming inside their house an killing their elite guards an civilians. I would suggest this is the proper time for Iran to go bomb Israel, they have been wanting a fight a long time...

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10 minutes ago, Pitcher said:

There is no doubt Iran is itching for a fight. This bombing is probably their response to the killings in Iran last week.  They are no match for the US.  If they start something Iran will be no more.  

 

If provoked, It won't take long for the US to "open a can of Whoopass" (1) on the Insanians (2).

 

Semper Fi :salute:

(1) - Robert Bousher Jr. aka Bobby Bousher - Waterboy

(2) -Synopsis

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Breaking: US to close its consulate in Basra

 

The United States has decided to close itsconsulate in the Iraqi city of Basra over security concerns, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity.


The decision, which followed rocket attacks and violent protests in the crumbling port city, could increase tensions between the United States and Iran. The White House accused Iran earlier this month of failing to prevent attacks by Iran-backed militia on the consulate.

 

Three missiles were launched on early Friday near the U.S. Consulate, adjacent to the Basra International Airport, in Iraq, news outlets reported.

 

Reliable sources told the press that the three missiles were dropped at an uninhabited area near the U.S. Consulate, no human or financial losses were recorded.

 

According to the sources, an investigation was opened into the incident and all the necessary measures were taken immediately.

 

 

https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/31764/Breaking-US-to-close-its-consulate-in-Basra

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2 hours ago, Hotcurl said:

IMHO - It sure seems that the recent attacks in Basra and the threats to the Straights of Hormuz by the Insanians (1) are designed to provoke or pick a fight with the US.

 

Thus the Insanians (1) can jump up and down and cry American aggression, America attacked Iran and blah, blah, blah.

 

It will be interesting to watch the rhetoric develop in the next 30 days, leading up to the fresh sanctions against Iran in early November.

I think we all can be reassured that President Trump, Secretary Pompeo and Mad Dog Mattis have plans in place to put a quick and decisive end to any Iranian :bs:

Semper Fi :salute:

 

"Mess with the best, die like the rest"

                  anonymous

(1) - Synopsis

 

1 hour ago, Hotcurl said:

 

If provoked, It won't take long for the US to "open a can of Whoopass" (1) on the Insanians (2).

 

Semper Fi :salute:

(1) - Robert Bousher Jr. aka Bobby Bousher - Waterboy

(2) -Synopsis

 

You Go, Girl, HotCurl, AND The Best Of Your Weekend To You!!! :tiphat:

 

Semper Fi Do Or Die!!! :salute:

 

In The Mean Time.....................................................................

 

Go Moola Nova (YEAH AND YEE HAW, BABY, READY WHEN YOU ARE BROTHER (OR SISTER) - LET 'ER BUCK!!!)!!!

:rodeo:   :pirateship:

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  • yota691 changed the title to The Husseiniya threshold resolves the biggest tribal conflict in Basra that has lasted for years

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