ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Iraqi government on Tuesday pledged “no hesitation or retreat” in punishing “outlaw groups” who have repeatedly attacked US diplomatic missions, as pro-Iran militias continue attacks on diplomatic missions. 

The US Embassy in Baghdad was targeted by a series of drone strikes on Tuesday evening, continuing a flurry of attacks that have been carried out since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran in late February.

The attacks have been widely condemned by Iraqi, Kurdish, and international authorities, with the US Consulate General in Erbil and American military bases in the Kurdistan Region also suffering from repeated attacks.

“Once again, outlaw groups have  perpetrated their heinous attack, targeting the US Embassy in Baghdad,” Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Iraqi prime minister, said in a statement, condemning the strikes as “reprehensible.” 

“We affirm that there will be no hesitation or retreat in confronting any party that attempts to tamper with security,” Numan said, further condemning attacks on diplomatic missions as a “violation of sovereignty and dignity.” 

On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani directed security and intelligence agencies to pursue and prosecute the perpetrators of the “unjustified” attacks on the Al Rasheed Hotel as well as the US Embassy in Baghdad.

The premier also ordered negligent parties who “failed to perform their duties” be held accountable.

Similar attacks on US interests and hotels housing foreign nationals in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have previously been claimed by pro-Iran Iraqi militias, often operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI).

Many factions within the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have been officially incorporated into the Iraqi state security apparatus as part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

The US has retaliated, striking PMF positions and killing at least 32 of their fighters, according to data compiled by The New Region. 

As the conflict intensifies, pro-Iran PMF factions have become increasingly involved, targeting US bases and the Kurdistan Region, which in return has invited more airstrikes on the PMF, making it even more difficult for Baghdad to maintain a balance in its relations with both Iran and the United States.