US summons Iraqi envoy over militia attacks on American diplomatic personnel

The US summoned Iraq’s ambassador to condemn a series of attacks by Iran-aligned militias targeting American diplomatic personnel and facilities, the State Department said Thursday.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called in Iraqi Ambassador Nizar Khirullah to express “strong condemnation” of what the State Department described as “egregious terrorist attacks,” including an April 8 ambush of US diplomats in Baghdad, according to a readout.

While acknowledging efforts by Iraqi security forces to respond, Landau stressed that Baghdad has failed to prevent the attacks, the State Department said. He also warned that elements linked to the Iraqi government continue to provide “political, financial, and operational cover” for the militias and shared the US expectation from the Iraqi government to “immediately” take all measures to dismantle the Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq.

The attacks came amid a regional escalation that has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 3,000 people, according to Iranian authorities.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel along with Iraq, Jordan and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

The US and Iran announced a two-week truce Tuesday following weeks of escalation.