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Iraq Situation Update: March 11 - 17, 2020
Mar 20, 2020 - ISW Press
![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/11%20MAR%20-%2017%20MAR%202020%20-%20Iraq%20SITREP%20Map%20%281%29-01%20%283%29.jpg?itok=xe03pCUJ)
By: Katherine Lawlor and Brandon Wallace
ISW is assessing the ongoing unrest and its effects on political-security dynamics in Iraq. The Iraq Situation Report (SITREP) map series summarizes key events and likely developments to come. The following SITREP map covers the period March 11 - 17, 2020.
Key Takeaway: The U.S. began a planned drawdown from three Iraqi bases after Iran’s proxy network in Iraq intensified its campaign of rocket attacks against U.S.-led Coalition forces. A new Shi’a militia group, likely spawned from the Iranian proxy network and calling itself Usbat al-Thairen, claimed the attacks. Iran’s proxies will likely frame the U.S. drawdown as a victory in their campaign to expel U.S. forces from Iraq and may seek to gain access to these bases. Meanwhile, Iraq’s president unilaterally designated a new prime minister, former Najaf Governor Adnan al-Zurfi, but may be unable to form a government due to open opposition from the Iranian proxy-led Conquest Alliance. Widening government shutdowns due to COVID-19 may further elongate the government formation process.
![](http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/11%20MAR%20-%2017%20MAR%202020%20-%20Iraq%20SITREP%20Map%20%281%29-01%20%283%29_2.jpg)
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