On January 9, seven convoys moving logistic supplies and military equipment for the US-led coalition came under attack in different parts of Iraq.
The attacks took place as follows:
- The first convoy was attacked as it was passing on a highway linking the city of Nasiriyah, the capital of Dhi Qar province, and the city of Samawah, the capital of al-Muthanna province, in the southern region. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, so far.
- The second and third convoys came under attack in the area of Yusufiya which is located near the capital, Baghdad. The al-Muhandis Revenge Brigade claimed responsibility for the first attack, while the Khaybar Brigade claimed responsibility for the second.
- The fourth convoy came under attack in the area of Abu Ghraib, which is also located near Baghdad. The al-Muhandis Revenge Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack.
- The fifth convoy was attacked as it was passing in the area of Nebai next to Baghdad. The al-Muhandis Revenge Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack.
- The sixth convoy was attacked in the central province of Babylon. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, so far.
- The seventh convoy came under attack as it was passing near the city of al-Diwaniyah, the capital of the southern province of al-Qadisiyyah. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq – ‘Ashab al-Kahf claimed responsibility for the attack.
The attacks were apparently carried out to honor the memory of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units, and Iran’s Quds Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani, who were assassinated by the US around two years ago.
Pro-Iranian forces in Iraq, who are on a quest to avenge al-Muhandis and Soleimani, warned the US that they will not tolerate its military presence in the country beyond 2021. However, Washington ignored the warning.