Exclusive: Iraqi factions declare readiness for open war with Israel, prepare for "major surprise"

Shafaq News / The Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), announced on Thursday their readiness for “a long-term open war” with Israel in the upcoming phase, following the Israeli hostilities on Lebanon.

The intensified exchange of missile and air strikes between Hezbollah and the Israeli military has entered its fourth day, raising fears of a wider regional conflict, resulting in hundreds of casualties and thousands of injuries in Lebanon, including women and children, while triggering the mass displacement of hundreds of thousands from the border area as Hezbollah retaliates by launching missiles at Israeli settlements.

Abbas Al-Zaidi, a leader in the brigades, told Shafaq News, "The IRI factions possess significant capabilities and are prepared to provide military and logistical support in Hezbollah's war against the Zionist entity [Israel] in Lebanon, as well as for any other country in the Axis of Resistance facing aggression.”

He explained that support from the Iraqi factions, driven by the unity of the arenas strategy (adopted by the Islamic Resistance, in partnership with Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthi Ansarallah group, and Hamas,) and the development of their capabilities over the past periods aimed primarily at “exchanging expertise and ensuring continuous collaboration in jihad among all factions of the Axis of Resistance.”

"The resistance factions do not rest; they are continuously working to develop their military and security capabilities at various levels. Therefore, the Iraqi Resistance factions are always on high alert for a long-term war through preparation, armament, and mass mobilization."

Furthermore, the leader of the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades stated, "The ability of our resistance to reach Tel Aviv and its depth depends on strategic planning and the developments of events, as well as the Axis of Resistance's perspective in the fields and arenas, based on reactions.”

“Sometimes, the factions' defense is fixed, and sometimes it is mobile."

Al-Zaidi warned that if Israel undertakes any ground invasion of Lebanon, the Iraqi resistance factions will have “a major surprise.” “We may potentially open fronts in Lebanon, Syria, and even from Jordan, in addition to the Palestinian front. Tel Aviv is included in the calculations of the resistance factions, depending on the conditions and events."

Notably, the Axis of Resistance includes Lebanon's Hezbollah, Iraqi factions, the Houthi group Ansar Allah, and others, who have pledged to continue defending Gaza, which has been under Israeli attack since October 7, resulting in the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians.

On Wednesday, Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated in a press briefing, “We are closely monitoring the threats coming from Iraq and gathering intelligence,” adding, “We will do what is necessary.”

In a notable development, a statement from the IRI indicated that its fighters attacked “a vital target” in Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) on Wednesday evening using drones, marking the most intense assault they have conducted.