Iraq Situation Report: January 7 - 9, 2020

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is assessing the ongoing unrest in Iraq and its effects on political-security dynamics. The Iraq Situation Report (SITREP) series summarizes key events and likely developments to come. This Iraq SITREP map covers the period January 7 - 9, 2020.

Key Takeaway: President Donald Trump declined to retaliate for an Iranian attack in Iraq that caused no casualties, thereby de-escalating immediate hostilities. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) launched at least 16 ballistic missiles targeting the al-Assad base in Anbar and U.S. personnel in Arbil on January 8 in retaliation for the U.S. strike that killed Qassem Soleimani. American defensive preparations prevented casualties. Meanwhile, Iranian proxies’ behavior indicates that Iran is exerting control to prevent further immediate escalation and may be organizing a new effort to expel U.S. forces violently. Finally, Iraqi President Barham Salih approved a list of new Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) judges from major political blocs. Saleh’s action rebuffs protesters’ demands for a fully independent IHEC.

VIEW THE SITREP MAP HERE.