Iraq, US tightening security around Ain Al-Asad, Harir bases

Iraqi authorities and US forces are tightening security measures inside and around Ain Al-Asad Airbase in Anbar province in western Iraq, and Harir base in Erbil province in the north, where American forces are stationed, Iraqi military sources revealed to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed yesterday.

The enhanced security measures come after the US troops targeted the Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU) known as Hashd Al-Shaabi in Jurf Al-Sarf in Babil province.

Pro-Iran factions are expected to strike back after the attack.

Iraqi army sources said: “The American forces inside the Ain Al-Asad base have taken strict security precautions, fearing the base will be targeted by the factions, in addition to launching drones over the base and nearby areas to monitor suspicious movements.”

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that “the Iraqi forces have also taken security measures in accordance with high-level directives issued to them in areas near the bases, which are often used as launch sites for drones and missiles. The same sources confirmed that similar measures are being taken around the Harir Air Base in Erbil.

Read: Iraq vows ‘legal, diplomatic measures’ after US-led coalition airstrike