Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims 23 strikes on US military sites — Iraq becomes key secondary theatre

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq issued a statement claiming responsibility for 23 attacks on US military sites in Iraq and the broader region over the 24 hours preceding the announcement (07:08 IST / 01:38 UTC March 25). The umbrella group, which includes Kataib Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned factions, said operations involved 'dozens of drones and missiles targeting enemy bases.' The claims could not be independently verified; there was no immediate US military confirmation. The tempo of Iraq-based attacks has accelerated over recent weeks as the US-Iran conflict entered its fourth week. On Day 25, the US struck a PMF base in Anbar Province killing 7 fighters; Iraq's National Security Council then authorized PMF self-defense responses. The 23-attack claim, if even partially accurate, would represent a significant escalation in the Iraq secondary theatre. APNews reported that Iranian missiles and drones also struck power lines in Kuwait and targeted Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province as part of a broader regional proxy offensive. The Iraq-based attacks pressure US forward-basing infrastructure and may be intended to divert US air defense assets and ISR from the primary Iran theatre, ahead of potential peace negotiations.