The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a surprise attack on Israel on the early morning of a major Jewish holiday. As part of the attack, the Gaza-based terrorist group fired thousands of rockets into Israel and dispatched fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip. The following report compiles initial statements issued by leaders of Iran-backed militias in Iraq regarding the conflict.
Al-Nujaba' Movement: Israeli, American Intervention Will Be Met With A Decisive Response
Akram Al-Ka'abi, leader of Al-Nujaba' Movement, issued a statement on Telegram in which he praised the people and the fighters of the Palestinian factions taking part in the ongoing operation. He warned that the continuation of the "Israeli aggression" against the Palestinians will be met with a military response. He also warned that any attempt by Israel or by its allies to expand the regional circle of the war will be met with a response from his group.
"After expressing our pride in what you, the people of Palestine and the factions of Palestine have done, as you prove to the world that the equation of deterrence has turned against the occupiers, and that the initiative is in your hands now, we assure you that you are not alone and that we are with you and the resistance front as one, and that we are fully prepared to obtain reward and pride in this confrontation."
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Underlining his militias' readiness to counter any potential Israeli or American attack, he added: "Let the Zionist aggression and its supporters, America and its henchmen, know that the continuation of the aggression will be met with a military response from us that will delight the friend, and surprise and astonish the enemy, and if the axis of evil tries to expand the front, the axis of goodness is waiting for them, and that any American or Western intervention will be met with a decisive response, and everyone will resist from his position and from what is within his reach, and their supporters will not be safe. The Zionists and their allies, wherever they are, our weapons, will reach them, and Allah is the Helper of the Believers."
Sayyid Al-Shuhada' Brigades: "Our Resources Are Ready, As Well As Our Resolve"
Abu Alaa' Al-Wala'i, leader of Sayyid Al-Shuhada' Brigades, issued a statement on Telegram in which he also hailed the Palestinian factions, and vowed to extend full support to them to "destroy Israel" and "rid the world of its wickedness."
He said: "To the brothers in religion and blood, and the partners in jihad and determination, the sons of the heroic Palestinian resistance: We have heard your call and we are ready to support you. It is by Lord our pleasure, and it is the time to fulfill our pledges and promises. Our resources are ready, as well as our resolve. Let the Al-Aqsa flood be the end of their lie and the fulfillment of Allah's promise to destroy them and rid the earth of their wickedness. Today, Allah fulfills His promise at your hands."
Asa'ib Ahl Al-Haq: "We Will Continue To Watch The Events Closely, Prepared, And Not [Be] Spectators"
Qais Al-Khazali, leader of Asa'ib Ahl Al-Haq, issued a statement on Telegram in which he cited a Quran verse that encourages participation in a holy war and promises victory. He further expressed his support, noting that he is watching the situation closely and is ready to take action when the time comes.
The statement reads: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Permission has been given to those who fight because they have been wronged, and indeed, Allah is Powerful to grant them victory. Our hearts, and the hearts of all believers and free resistance fighters in all parts of the earth, have been uplifted since the morning by the results of Operation [Al-Aqsa Flood], and the incursions and capturing of the occupation soldiers, as well as the unprecedented missile strikes of the heroes of the Palestinian Islamic resistance on the gatherings of the occupying Zionist enemy, which has become powerless in the face of courage and determination of the Palestinian people and their resistance. Our tongues are praying for your victory and success, and our hearts beat in support of the resistance with every bullet, shell, or missile launched from you against the occupying Zionist entity, which has persisted in its crimes against the Palestinian people. We will continue to watch the events closely, prepared, and not [be] spectators. And victory is only from Allah, Indeed, He is the Mighty and the Wise."
