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As UK Bans 'Palestine Action' For Terrorism, Group's U.S. Branch, Called 'Unity Of Fields', Continues Posting In Support Of Terrorism On Its X Account

As UK Bans 'Palestine Action' For Terrorism, Group's U.S. Branch, Called 'Unity Of Fields', Continues Posting In Support Of Terrorism On Its X Account

Memri2 days ago
Unity of Fields, initially called Palestine Action U.S., is an extremist anti-U.S. and anti-Israel organization that was formed as a branch of the UK-based Palestine Action in February 2023.[1] It changed its name in 2024 to Unity of Fields, to express its emphasis on establishing solidarity between various "anti-imperialist" causes across the globe. It calls itself "militant front against the US-NATO-Zionist axis of imperialism."[2]
On its X account, the organization regularly praises and glorifies Iran-backed terrorist groups, including Lebanese Hizbullah, Yemen's Ansar Allah Movement (the Houthis), as well as Hamas and other Palestinian jihadi factions. It regularly refers to slain terrorist leaders as "martyrs", including Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and Iran's slain IRGC Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani. The frequently and openly calls for anti-police and anti-ICE violence. It also lionizes Elias Rodriguez, who in May 2025 carried out a shooting attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., where the American Jewish Committee was holding an event for young professionals, killing two Israeli Embassy employees.
Unity of Fields' sister group, Palestine Action, has been recently proscribed as a terrorist organization in the UK, which makes supporting it a criminal offense.[3]
The following report offers a selection of recent pro-terror posts from Unity of Fields' X account, organized into the following categories:
Glorifying Washington DC Shooter Elias Rodriguez
Calls For Violence Against The Police, ICE, And The U.S.
Praising October 7, 2023 Attacks, Calling For Israel's Annihilation
Praise For Iran-Backed Terror Groups And Their "Martyrs"
Sharing Posts By Designated Terrorist Organization Samidoun
As of July 10, 2025, the account has 14.9K followers, follows 688 accounts, and has made 5,513 posts. The account was established in June 2017. The account description lists the organization's Telegram account, website, encrypted ProtonMail account, and a backup X account.
Glorifying Pro-Palestinian Shooter Elias Rodriguez Targeted Event Outside Capital Jewish Museum, Killing Two
Sharing a post by "@Plz_Relax_" on May 22, 2025, Unity of Fields critiqued the post stating that "The people 'actually paying the price' are Palestinians facing genocide, and Elias Rodriguez who is now a political prisoner. And the people defending him the hardest, like us, are people also facing repression. The idea is absolutely absurd that PSL [Party For Socialism And Liberation] is a victim here and not a liberal NGO with access to hundreds of millions of dollars using their huge platforms with millions of followers to throw militants to the empire's dungeons rather than defending the armed resistance." Unity of Fields then reposted Bronx Anti-War's May 22, 2025 post stating "We need more Elias Rodriguez in this world."[4]
For more on the Bronx Anti-War Coalition, see MEMRI TV clip No. 12030; for more on The Party For Socialism And Liberation, see clip no. 12024.
The Unity of Fields X account posted on May 23, 2025: "What Elias Rodriguez did was an act of solidarity and love for the Palestinian people. If this seems crazy and unhinged to you, ask yourself why you are so well adjusted to a constant stream of disemboweled and starving children—made possible by the country in which you reside" followed by "A whole lot of you are good Germans".[5]
On May 25, 2025, Unity of Fields replied to its own post promoting a pro-Elias Rodriguez zine on its website adding that now people can download, print, and post Elias Rodriguez stickers.[6]
Sharing a post by user "@TovNaganin" on May 26, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account reposted a photo of a flyer with the text "Make Zionists Afraid" and a red triangle on top of a photo of murdered Israeli Embassy staffer Yaron Lischinsky.[7]
On May 26, 2025, Bronx Anti-War posted "Elias Rodriguez is paving the way for resistance in the West, leading by example and moving beyond mere symbolic gestures or rhetorical support for the Palestinian cause. We endorse this statement and encourage all other organizations to do so as well" then replied to its own post saying "'Globalize the intifada' is not just a slogan, but a call to action!" Unity of Fields shared these posts.[8]
On May 26, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account published a post encouraging people to sign on to the "Free Elias Rodriguez Organizing Committee," claiming his murders were a "legitimate act of resistance." The account replied to its post on May 28, 2025, reposting the address to write to Elias Rodriguez in jail.[9]
On May 26, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account published a post encouraging people to sign on to the "Free Elias Rodriguez Organizing Committee," claiming his murders were a "legitimate act of resistance." The account replied to its post on the same day adding: "Elias Rodriguez's act was fully justified, at that place where legal and moral duties meet. It is clear that international law, which the West itself established and whose institutions are dominated by the interest of these imperialists, establishes a duty to take action to stop genocide, including the use of violence to do so."[10]
On May 27, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account wrote a post stating: "Think of all of the images of absolute horror that we have seen in the past 4 days alone and then try to claim that what Elias Rodriguez did was wrong. Try to make an argument for why he isn't worth defending. Elias Rodriguez is the most moral man in Amerika."[11]
Sharing a post from Zionist New York Congressman Ritchie Torres where Torres condemned the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) for standing with Elias Rodriguez on May 28, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account added: "These are the most principled DSA members in the country, and they are brave for standing with Elias Rodriguez and all political prisoners, despite DSA leadership's liberal zionism and traitorous collaborationism with the ruling class."[12]
Promoting a song by X user "@cheinglorious" on May 30, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account encouraged its followers to listen to the song, followed by a photo of some of the lyrics of the song. The lyrics include "Uh free Elias Rodriguez. Film myself killing Zionists in hi res [high resolution]."[13]
Sharing one of their own posts from May 26, 2025, the Unity of Fields account added: "Orgs and individuals, you can still sign onto this support statement for Elias! Use the link below or email free.elias.rodriguez@proton.me" on May 31, 2025.[14]
On June 2, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account reposted from "@atlajala" "not sure if people are seeing this yet, but an Egyptian man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, just attacked a zionist march in Colorado with molotovs." The account followed up by reposting its May 22, 2025 response to the murders of Israeli Embassy staffers Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky "We ain't condemning shit."[15]
The Unity of Fields X account posted and pinned a donation fund for Elias Rodriguez on June 7, 2025.[16]
Reposting their pinned post, the Unity of Fields X account added "If you donated to Luigi's [Mangione] defense fund you should donate to Elias Rodriguez's. Or else you're a zionist social democrat" followed by a reply post stating "Nobody likes a 'healthcare only' cracker/cracker sympathizer. Give your bucks and prayers to the beloved third worldist assassin, Elias Rodriguez." Both posts were made on June 7, 2025.[17]
On June 9, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account posted "Seen in Athens, Greece: 'DEATH TO ISRAEL, HONOUR AND FREEDOM TO ELIAS RODRIGUEZ'" accompanied by a photo of a large banner with those words.[18]
Calls For Violence Against The Police, ICE, And The U.S. – "Dreaming Of 100,000,000 October 7ths Against The U.S."
In a now-deleted post, the Unity of Fields X account wrote "THIS! Holding 'solidarity actions' for an ongoing uprising in the US is goofy.. single issue-pacifism brain. ICE is everyone's problem. Our focus right now should be turning the LA unrest into every city in Amerika unrest. Only militant, direct confrontation will get us there." [19]
In a since deleted post, the Unity of Fields X account shared a repost of "@ok_but_still" which said "dreaming of 100000000000 october 7ths" and added "against the united states."[20]
Shortly after the murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, the Unity of Fields X account reposted one of its previous posts from September 4, 2024 that said "We reject the concept of 'peaceful protest' all together. There is no way to undermine empire peacefully. The point of our resistance is to reject their peace—white peace—which is built on the backs of the oppressed billions who live under the boot of US hegemony." [21]
On May 13, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account posted "thread featuring our engagement with and interventions in the Student Intifada" which included reposting old Unity of Fields X posts.[22]
Reposting its own May 3, 2025 post on May 13, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account promoted the Columbia Barnard College students' takeover of the Milstein Library. The account replied with a repost of one of its March 5, 2025 posts showing that the protestors used Unity of Fields' zines at the takeover.[23]
Sharing a post by right-wing journalist Andy Ngo, @Mr.AndyNgo, on May 17, 2025, the Unity of Fields account added: "Great tweet from imperialist running dog Klandy Ngo. Violence is absolutely necessary!" The organization responded to its post with "Oops, typo. KKKlandy*"[24]
The Unity of Fields X account posted "The western world has no right to exist or defend itself" with a pointing emoji on May 21, 2025.[25]
Unity of Fields posted a screenshot on X of Communist Party USA's announcement on May 22, 2025 condemning the murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky with the caption "They just keep coming. Full mask off moment for all the 'movement organizations' who will turn your ass in to the Gestapo in the blink of an eye. We are not in unity with these counterinsurgent liberal zionists; our unity is based in shared principles of resistance." On the same day, the account reposted its original post and added "Very revealing moment now that there is actually an act of armed resistance from within the U.S. for self-proclaimed revolutionary organizations to support or condemn. Make no mistake, the ones who condemn are enemies of the revolution. They will sell you out and turn you in." [26]
On June 7, 2025, the X account of Unity of Fields wrote: "Every militant taking the streets against these fascist amerikan entities must foreground internationalism as our fundamental project. When we say 'fuck ICE' we are saying 'Free Palestine', when we say 'globalize the Intifada' we are saying 'abolish the police.'" The account then responded to its own post, stating: "Some might even call this "unity of the fields" but we are just spit balling......"[27]
On June 7, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account published a post reading: "The anti-ICE protests and anti-policing protests are also anti-genocide protests. Imperialism, colonialism and systemic white supremacy are global genocidal systems—one struggle. One enemy." The account then reposted it and added "Reactionaries will say this sounds like anti-semitism but they say everything sounds like anti-semitism. Are we seeking to overthrow the imperialist system that produces endless war, displacement, genocide, poverty and famine all over the world? Or are we playing paddy cake?" They later added the reply "What the state is making abundantly clear, especially in the past two years, is that there is no reformist option. They want to crush any movement whatsoever. The only way out of this is the radical, revolutionary path. The sooner begun the sooner done."[28]
On X, Unity of Fields wrote on June 7, 2025: "One of the best things you can do for Gaza is start fuckin major problems in the US. ICE is looking for trouble..."[29]
Reposting a February 6, 2025 post from its own account glorifying the "Student Intifada" protesting ICE in Los Angeles, the Unity of Fields X account added "The migrant youth showed us the way. It's riot season baby" on June 7, 2025.[30]
Responding to a video of Los Angeles Waymo cars on fire posted by X user "@BGOnTheScene," the Unity of Fields X account posted "MORE. MORE AND MORE AND MORE. MORREEEEE" on June 8, 2025.[31]
Calling for "Intifada everywhere. Death to imperialism" on June 8, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account posted four photos of violent riots.[32]
Calling to "Globalize the Intifada" on June 8, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account claimed: "Los Angeles understands the assignment. Where you at Bay Area? Chi? NYC? Atlanta? Baltimore? The whole country needs to go up, no mercy."[33]
The Unity of Fields X account posted "Angelenos throwing Modelo Molotovs at ICE while wearing Keffiyehs. We are locked the fuck in, folks" on June 8, 2025.[34]
Writing on June 9, 2025, the X account of Unity of Fields posted: "Hearing reports that the Hamas Marxist Army continues to grow in cities & towns across amerikkka. They are saying that the Fourth Reich created its own grave diggers and the internally colonized masses are in revolt. It is right to rebel, they say. Interesting development!"[35]
Posting photos of Los Angeles riots submitted from a follower on June 9, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account wrote: "The masses are done with picturesque peaceful mass-arrest compliance. It's time, been time, to start fighting the fuck back. This is a proactive war being waged on the Fourth Reich. MORE!"[36]
As a response to X user "@jeremotographs" posting "Holy shit. Somebody just drove by the federal building in downtown and shot a cop in the face with a paintball gun," Unity of Fields replied "Now we're not saying anything but... wouldn't it be cool if..." on June 9, 2025.[37]
Posting a graphic of a Molotov cocktail with the words "Light my fire... Melt I.C.E." on June 9, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account added the caption "What NYC needs now is not another barricade-guarded standing-around hangout in downtown Manhattan pretending to be a protest. What NYC needs is mass revolt in the neighborhoods ICE is targeting. These uprisings are not just out of moral opposition to ICE! They're proactive self-defense against the Gestapo targeting our neighbors! Once we begin targeting ICE where they carry out their disappearances, we'll start seeing results. Burn their cars. Push them back. Make them afraid!"[38]
On June 11, 2025, Unity of Fields posted a video on X of people in Tucson, Arizona attacking ICE agents with the caption: "The community in Tucson repels ICE invaders by spraying them with paint balls, throwing metal barricades and other projectiles, while defending the crowd with shields, helmets/goggles, and a tight formation. The ICE thugs retreat like cowardly paper tigers. Take notes!"[39]
Unity of Fields posted three photos of graffiti reading "Kill ICE Agents" taken in San Francisco, California on June 11, 2025.[40]
Sharing a year and a half old video of Yemenis calling for war, the Unity of Fields X account praised the chant on June 12, 2025, adding the caption: "WE DON'T CARE, WE DON'T CARE, WE DON'T CARE! TURN IT INTO A MAJOR WORLD WAR!"[41]
Sharing a post by "@Helyeh_Doutaghi" on June 12, 2025, Unity of Fields added: "EVERY US MILITARY APPARATUS IS A LEGITIMATE TARGET."[42]
On June 14, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account wrote: "Deport the amerikkkan entity and the zionist entity to the dustbins of history."[43]
Unity of Fields reposted Charlotte Kates's June 14, 2025 X post stating "As always: strive to live up to the example set by Yemen in organization, development & military/popular action and integration!"[44]
Sharing a post by user "@Helyeh_Doutaghi" on June 16, 2025, the Unity of Fields account added a quote by former Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who they called a martyr: "According to some theories, Israel controls America. No sir. It is America that controls Israel. If the Americans want to stop something, they can make it stop. The claim that the Americans cannot force Israel to do something is nonsense."[45]
As a response to Israel bombing Iran's nuclear facilities, the Unity of Fields X account posted "Iran has more than a simple right to defend itself, it has a completely legitimate right to obliterate every amerikan presence in the region" on June 23, 2025.[46]
In response to Iran launching rockets at the United States's Qatar base, on June 23, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account wrote "Hearing reports that a US base is getting bombed in kkkatar. We're praying for the safety of the Iranian missiles. May they find their targets without interception."[47]
The X account of Unity of Fields posted a photo of caskets wrapped in American flags with the caption "Soon inshallah" on June 23, 2025.[48]
On July 4, 2025, the Unity of Fields account shared a post by user "@atlajala" which said: "thinking about the narrowly failed attempt by the george jackson brigade to bomb a substation on july 4 1977 to knock out a power grid in olympia in solidarity w/ prison struggle in walla walla & how perfect a day of planned explosions is as cover to carry out such actions."[49]
On July 4, 2025, Unity of Fields reposted a zine by Designated Terror group Samidoun, emphasizing Samidoun's claim that imperialism, rather than terrorism, is the real enemy. For more on the zine, see MEMRI JTTM report Terrorist-Designated Samidoun, Linked To Popular Front For The Liberation Of Palestine (PFLP), Publishes Online 'Zine' Offering Guidance For Those Facing Terrorist Designation).[50]
On July 7, 2025, Unity of Fields posted a screenshot of a news report on X with the caption "Enemy media reporting armed attacks against the Gestapo [Secret Nazi police] in Texas. Today a man was killed allegedly attacking CBP. On the 4th of July, protestors allegedly sabotaged ICE vehicles and security cameras, and launched fireworks to lure pigs to the ICE facility on the 4th of July."[51]
Sharing a post by user "@MattFinnFNC" with photos of defaced police cars and reports of attempted murder on ICE agents, the Unity of Fields X account added: "Speak to fascists in a language they understand" on July 8, 2025.[52]
On July 17, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account published a post reading: "Amerikkka is the source of evil, not bad actors within it. We can't allow excuses to be made for this monstrously genocidal plantation masquerading as a nation. Remove one person or five hundred from its government, nothing will change as long as amerikkka still exists" and replied with "The basic truth that many don't want to admit is that the problem is the United States, not just Trump, or Biden, or this agency or that one. Nothing will change unless the whole thing crumbles. Which it will!"[53]
Praising October 7, 2023 Attacks, Calling For Israel's Annihilation
On January 16, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account posted "Two, three, many Al-Aqsa Floods."[54]
In response to a May 21, 2025 Sky News article that Kneecap's Liam O'Hanna was charged with terrorism for supporting Hizbullah, Unity of Fields responded "No matter how much you backtrack and condemn the resistance, like KNEECAP did, they will still come for you. So why lick the boots of the oppressors? Why not uphold the armed anti-imperialist struggle as widely and loudly as possible?"[55]
Unity of Fields on X reposted an article by "@AlAkhbarEn" with the quote "[The PFLP] maintained that targeting the enemy should not be restricted by geography, since the enemy itself had made the entire world a battlefield" on May 23, 2025.[56]
X user "@nataliesurely" posted "All else aside, claims that 'the assassinated diplomats were peace crusaders killed at a humanitarian event' are straightforwardly, laughably untrue, and the point of insisting on it is to discredit anti-Israel sentiment as hopelessly confused and irrational." On May 24, 2025, Unity of Fields responded: "Strikingly similar to 'the music festival was a celebration for peace and everyone killed on 10/7 was a bleeding heart peace activist.'"[57]
In response to the anti-ICE riots, on June 8, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account wrote "This level of militant, revolutionary internationalism in the heart of Amerika was unthinkable before the al-Aqsa Flood. We owe everything to the anti-colonial armed resistance of the Palestinian people. Sinwar and Deif and all of the brave warriors. a compass for all free people" and responded to its post with "It is Palestine and armed struggle and third world revolution that lit this spark. It ripped open a portal to a new world and colonized people everywhere are jumping through it. Lots of tears shed today, unbelievable scenes."[58]
On June 8, 2025, the Unity of Fields X account stated the crew of Greta Thunberg's Madleen was "kidnapped by the IOF [IDF]. They are the definition of political prisoners. Free them fucking all! Next flotilla should be armed to the fucking teeth!" then responded with "DEATH TO THE ZIONIST ENTITY! DEATH TO AMERIKKKA!"[59]
On June 13, 2025, Unity of Fields responded to a post by "@ihcentoo" showing Israelis being rescued from rubble resulting from Iranian missile attacks with "LEAVE THEM TEHRE! LEAVE THEM THERE!" They later responded to an Israeli woman asking for prayers in her bomb shelter with "LMFAOOOO [Laughing my fucking ass off]."[60]
Unity of Fields responded to a post by X user "@BIG__Brother7" claiming there were casualties in Iran's missile attack on Tel Aviv with "They deserve far, far worse, and they will get it" on June 13, 2025. The response was followed by a standalone post saying "Settlers are not civilians."[61]
Unity of Fields shared a post by Charlotte Kates, the International Coordinator of Designated Terrorist Organization Samidoun, on June 13, 2025. Kates wrote: "This is a time of war, a time of genocide. A time when everyone must choose a side: with the US-European empire and its Zionist project, or with Palestine and the people of the world. When we participate in the battle for humanity, we carry responsibilities." The account then posted "The more fronts we open here, the more difficult it is for the US-zio death machine to carry out its genocidal war in the Arab-Iranian region. Stay in the streets this weekend to upend imperialism everywhere. Be relentless, don't get arrested, stay in the streets" Unity of Fields added: "Something new dropping for you tomorrow...with the Hunan stuff we promised." with a red triangle and salute emoji.[62]
Unity of Fields reposted on May 25, 2025 a video from All-African People's Revolutionary Party (A-APRP), "@AAPRP" on X, featuring Designated Terrorist Khaled Barakat, who is a senior member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Samidoun, and Masar Badil. In the video, Barakat claims: "The Palestinian Liberation movement and the African Liberation movement are twins."[63]
Responding to a news report of ICE detainees escaping, Unity of Fields on X took a screenshot of part of the article and highlighted the phrase "reportedly using bedsheets to parachute to the ground." The account captioned this screenshot with "The spirit of Attica and the Al-Aqsa Flood is everywhere" on June 14, 2025.[64]
Praise For Iran-Backed Terror Groups And Their "Martyrs"
Sharing a poster of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the account praised him as a martyr on June 15, 2025, writing: "A photo of the martyr leader Yahya Sinwar was displayed during yesterday's Iranian celebrations of the True Promise 3. Glory to the martyrs. Glory to the Al-Aqsa Flood" with a Palestinian and Iranian flag emoji before the message.[65]
Sharing a post by user "@AlAndalus074478" on June 29, 2025 showing "Al-Aqsa Flood training courses" in Yemen, the Unity of Fields account added: "Amazing idea for local organizers."[66]
On March 30, 2025, Unity of Fields praised October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar claiming that "Sinwar has touched the heart of the youth in the imperial core and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it, thank God. Revolution is irresistible." [67]
Unity of Fields posted a graphic of fighters from the military wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, shooting at a tank with a red triangle over it on May 26, 2025 stating "Our resolve is the resolve of the Brigades. The sword of Al-Qassam is victorious."[68]
The X account for Unity of Fields reposted its own post about the The Lydd Airport Operation between the Japanese Red Army and PFLP on May 30, 2025, calling it "This is the highest form of international solidarity."[69]
On June 2, 2025, X user "@BIG__Brother7" posted "Al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas), Saraya Al-Quds (PIJ), Abu Ali Mustafa (PFLP), Omar Al-Qasim Forces (DFLP), and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades have all announced operations today targeting enemy forces" with a picture of the groups standing together in uniform. Unity of Fields added "the unity of the fields."[70]
Unity of Fields praised the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Saraya Al-Quds, on June 8, 2025 by writing on X "By God, you will not extinguish our resolve, Nor will you erase our memory. We are the people of war and victory, And you are the losers."[71]
Unity of Fields reposted one of its posts made on June 9, 2025 featuring a man wearing a Hamas armband and a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) headband at an anti-ICE rally, calling it "some real unity of the fields type shit."[72]
Unity of Fields praised the military wing of the PFLP, Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, on June 13, 2025, posting "It is impossible for the fiery pulse to be silenced. It is impossible. Glory to the fighting arms... Long live the resistance. Al-Aqsa Flood."[73]
Sharing a poster of slain IRGC Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani, the account praised him as a martyr and quoted him saying "Defending Palestine, for us, is honor and dignity, and we will not trade this for any worldly goods" on June 14, 2025.[74]
Responding to a picture of a banner in Tehran, Iran featuring Nasrallah, Soleimani, Nasrallah, Sinwar, and Deif posted by "@Seamus_Malek," Unity of Fields posted "The international unity of the fields. 'The Axis of Resistance exists throughout the world...All of us who fight against colonialism, all of us who fight to decolonize our minds and our people, are part of the Axis of Resistance,' in the words of Nicolás Maduro" on June 15, 2025.[75]
Unity of Fields praised PIJ on June 16, 2025, sharing a picture of damage to Israeli buildings from June 2025 and May 2023.[76]
The X account of Unity of Fields honored the PFLP with "A salute from the revolutionaries of Palestine to the revolutionaries of Iran" on June 17, 2025.[77]
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Also in Iraq Iraq to hit 52 degrees Celsius amid scorching summer Iraq sees drop in wheat production amid summer drought MP says Iraq can withdraw from maritime agreement with Kuwait MPs slam Baghdad for banning Kurdish in disputed areas A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - At least one Iraqi officer and several other personnel were injured in an 'armed assault' at an Iraqi agriculture ministry office in western Baghdad on Sunday, Iraqi authorities confirmed, adding that more than a dozen suspects linked to the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have been arrested in connection with the attack. In a statement, the Security Media Cell of the Joint Operations Command said that 'a reprehensible incident' occurred at the ministry's Karkh district office on Sunday morning, resulting in injuries among security forces. 'Security forces were able to arrest 14 suspects' who were identified as members of the PMF's 'brigades 45 and 46,' the Cell added, noting that the suspects 'have been referred to the judiciary, with legal proceedings underway.' Brigades 45 and 46 are affiliated with the Kata'ib Hezbollah - a powerful Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Washington holds Kata'ib Hezbollah, a key player in the Iran-led 'Axis of Resistance,' responsible for numerous attacks on US assets in the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. In response to Sunday's incident, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani - who also serves as commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces, including the PMF - 'has ordered the formation of a high-level investigative committee' to probe 'how an armed force acted without official orders or approvals, attempted to seize a government building, and opened fire on security units,' the Security Media Cell added. In a previous statement on Sunday, the Iraqi interior ministry noted that 'the incident coincided with a newly appointed director beginning his duties,' adding that Iraqi federal police units and Karkh emergency patrols 'quickly intervened and came under direct gunfire, resulting in several officers and personnel sustaining various injuries.' The ministry noted that 'search and pursuit operations are ongoing' to apprehend remaining suspects, affirming its strong condemnation and stressing that Iraqi forces 'will not tolerate any party attempting to impose a de facto situation by force or threaten state institutions. 'Upholding the authority of the state and the rule of law remains a top and non-negotiable priority,' the ministry emphasized. This is not the first time Kata'ib Hezbollah has been linked to clashes with Iraqi state forces. Previous incidents include a firefight with federal police in Baghdad in May 2023 and a confrontation with the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service at Camp Speicher in March 2023. The group has also been accused of participating in the violent crackdown on the October 2019 - Tishreen Movement - pro-reform demonstrations across Iraq and of involvement in the November 2021 assassination attempt on then-prime minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi via a drone attack on his Green Zone residence. The incident notably occurred shortly after clashes between security forces and supporters of Iran-backed armed groups protesting election results. While Kata'ib Hezbollah has strongly denied involvement, the use of explosive-laden drones, a hallmark of Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups, and Kadhimi's then-perceived alignment with the US fueled widespread belief in their responsibility.

Denmark Supporting De-Mining in Iraq
Denmark Supporting De-Mining in Iraq

Iraq Business

time18 hours ago

  • Iraq Business

Denmark Supporting De-Mining in Iraq

UNMAS welcomes a new contribution from the Government of Denmark in support of the Iraqi mine action sector The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Iraq welcomes a generous contribution of DKK 22,000,000 (approximately US$ 3,4 million) from the Government of Denmark. This funding will support mine action efforts assisting the Government of Iraq (GoI) in protecting civilians from the threat of explosive ordnance (EO) and enabling humanitarian, socio-economic, and reconstruction efforts in EO-affected areas. Iraq remains one of the most EO contaminated countries in the world. According to the national mine action authorities - the Directorate for Mine Action (DMA) and the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) - more than 2,723 square kilometers are contaminated with landmines, cluster munitions, improvised explosive devices, and other types of explosive remnants of war across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. EO poses a major threat to public safety and hinders access to basic services, livelihood opportunities, and critical infrastructure. The new contribution from the Government of Denmark will enable UNMAS Iraq to continue supporting national mine action authorities in building a sustainable and well-coordinated mine action sector. UNMAS remains committed to strengthening the nationalisation of the mine action response by implementing and managing survey and clearance operations, as well as explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) activities, in the most heavily affected and vulnerable areas of Iraq. " UNMAS Iraq deeply appreciates the generous contribution from the Government of Denmark. The contributions enable us to continue assisting the DMA and IKMAA, as well as Iraqi national operators, in creating a safe environment for all Iraqis. Under Denmark's Peace and Stabilisation Programme 2022-2025, Denmark has contributed approximately US$ 11.5 million. UNMAS looks forward to further cooperation starting from 2026, " said Pehr Lodhammar, UNMAS Chief Mine Action Programme. Since 2015, the Government of Denmark has contributed over US$ 41 million to the UNMAS Iraq programme, making Denmark one of its most longstanding and committed donors. Denmark's continued support plays a critical role in ensuring progress towards a safer Iraq, where affected communities can rebuild their lives free from the threat of explosive ordnance. (Source: UNMAS)

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