Iraqi Militias Count 171 US Flights: Disarmament Deadline Set for 2027

Iraqi residents face a more contested airspace and a tighter timeline for the consolidation of weapons under state control. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization for Iran-backed militias, released a count of US military activity that highlights the friction remaining after the US-led coalition ended its formal mission.

The group documented 171 instances of US fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft entering Iraqi airspace. These entries occurred between September 30, 2026, and October 23, 2026. The coalition officially closed its operations in Iraq on September 30. The militias have not provided independent verification for their flight count, but they argue the numbers show continued American presence despite the withdrawal.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is using the coalition's departure to push a plan that brings militia weapons under government authority. He extended the deadline for this process to June 30, 2027. Zaidi told Iraqi state media that by that date, no weapons should remain outside the state framework. This shift aims to place arms exclusively in the hands of Iraqi security forces, reducing the independent military capacity of non-state groups.

The disarmament initiative has divided the Iran-backed factions. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba have rejected the plan, maintaining that their arms are necessary for future conflicts with the United States and Israel. In contrast, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have expressed willingness to cooperate with the government's measures. This split creates a complex political environment as Baghdad attempts to enforce the new rules.

The militias have also criticized the Iraqi government for what they describe as appeasement of the United States. They pointed to the reduction of commercial flights and the closing of border crossings with Iran as evidence of Baghdad's alignment with Washington. These economic and logistical changes have increased tensions between the state and the armed groups that operate within its borders.

US diplomatic officials have updated their guidance for travelers in light of the regional situation. The State Department issued a new advisory on October 24, 2026, maintaining its warning against all travel to Iraq. The update cited threats from Iranian-backed Houthis and the potential for rapid escalation in the region. It noted that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure could have wider consequences for security in Iraq.

The advisory specifically identified armed groups inside Iraq as a threat to US citizens and interests. It stated that terrorists, including ISIS and Iran-aligned militias, conduct attacks using drones, indirect fire, and improvised explosive devices. Potential targets listed in the report include airports, energy infrastructure, hotels, and diplomatic facilities. The State Department warned that the Iraqi government cannot guarantee safety against sudden outbreaks of violence.

These developments occur alongside other regional security concerns. US intelligence informed the State Department on October 23 that Iranian efforts to assassinate American diplomats had reached advanced stages. National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton sent a memorandum to Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding these plots. Separately, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps reported an attack on a PJAK gathering center within Iran, signaling continued military activity along the western border.