Iraq

Secretary of state calls on Iraqi government to better protect American facilities as protests against Baghdad and US troops continue and fears of a wider conflict smolder

Germany responded to growing security concerns in the Gulf region, saying it plans to "temporarily thin out" the number of soldiers in Iraq. Its military presence will be reduced particularly in Baghdad and Taji.

China on Friday (Jan 3) appealed for restraint from all sides, "especially the United States", after top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US strike in Iraq.

Alemania y Reino Unido elevan la vigilancia en Irak tras la operación estadounidense Los gobiernos de Alemania y Reino Unido han extremado la vigilancia de sus despliegues militares en Oriente Próximo, principalmente en Irak, a raíz de la operación de Estados Unidos en la que ha muerto el general iraní Qasem Soleimani, tras la que el líder supremo de Irán, el ayatolá Alí Jamenei, ya ha prometido una "dura venganza".

Baghdad air raid raises fears Iran may retaliate over death of General Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran's Quds Force.

NY Times quotes US officials saying the missiles also threaten Saudi Arabia and American troops stationed in area, and are part of Tehran’s efforts to project power in Middle East

According to the report, the US has resorted to other options in response to these issues.

Demonstrators block roads in Baghdad as officials say 3 shot dead by security forces in Umm Qasr and Shatra.

WASHINGTON — President Trump plans to keep United States troops in Iraq to monitor and maintain pressure on neighboring Iran, committing to an American military presence in the region’s war zones even as he moves to withdraw forces from Syria and Afghanistan.