JERUSALEM : Iraq, Iran-backed Iraq militia, US embassy attack, Kataieb Hezbollah, Anti-government protestsAn Iran-backed Iraqi militia broke up its encampment outside the US embassy in Baghdad, a move that could ease tensions between Tehran and Washington that escalated after fighters attacked the compound. The last protesters were gone by late afternoon and moved their tent camp across the Tigris river to an area facing the embassy, militia members reported. Escalation threatenedThe rare direct US assault on the Iran-backed militia and the attack on the embassy threatened to spiral into a broader confrontation. U.S. officials had boasted that anti-Iran protests in Iraq signaled a grassroots rebellion against Tehran’s influence, but the attack on the embassy turned Washington into the focus of anger instead. Earlier today, US troops fired tear gas to disperse pro-Iran fighters and their supporters gathered outside the embassy.

Source: Mint January 01, 2020 18:11 UTC