Israeli air strikes in Iraq

See also Israel Air Strikes in Syria

Sources

• Israeli Airstrike Hits Weapons Depot in Iraq - The New York Times, August 22, 2019
• US Officials Confirm Israel Staged ‘Several Strikes in Recent Days’ on Iraq – Report - Sputnik, August 23, 2019
• Netanyahu Loosely Confirms Israel Carried Out Strikes In Iraq - SouthFront, August 23, 2019
• Iraqis, bristling over Israeli airstrike, renew call for U.S. troops to get out - Nabih Bulos, Noga Tarnopolsky, The Los Angeles Times, August 23, 2019

  Two officials with the Trump administration, speaking to reporters anonymously to discuss internal matters, refused to say whether Israel was behind the explosions, and speculated they could have been accidents due to improper storage and the extreme summer heat. (Explosions in weapons depots are not an uncommon occurrence in Iraq, where temperatures in August regularly top 110 degrees.)

  Pentagon spokesman Cmdr. Sean Robertson said the U.S. supported Iraqi sovereignty and had “repeatedly spoken out against any potential actions by neighbors that could lead to violence in Iraq.”

  “Iraqis have a right to control their own internal security and protect their democracy. In particular, Iran must not use Iraqi territory to threaten other countries in the region,” he said.

  Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu hinted at Israel’s involvement, telling journalists who accompanied him on a state visit to Ukraine that “we will act — and are currently acting — against [Iran] wherever it is necessary.”

  Israel’s military did not claim responsibility for the attack.

Analysis

• No, Israel Did Not Attack Iranian Targets In Iraq - Moon of Alabama, July 30, 2019
• U.S. Says Israel Bombed Iraq - Moon of Alabama, August 23, 2019
• Satellite Images: Series Of Mysterious Explosions At Facilities Of ‘Iranian-backed’ Forces In Iraq - SouthFront, August 23, 2019
• Missiles Used in Iraq Attack Match Those Used by Israel in Syria Strikes, Kuwaiti Media Claims - Sputnik, July 23, 2019