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A member of Houthi-affiliated security forces brandishes a rifle as demonstrators chant during a protest called for by the rebel Houthi movement in Sanaa on March 17, 2025. Photo: AFP
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi security forces on Thursday denied reports claiming that Yemeni Houthis are being trained inside Iraq as the United States intensifies its attacks on the Iran-backed group.
“Some media outlets have circulated news regarding the Houthis' use of a training camp in the al-Khalis area in Diyala, Iraq. While we completely deny these reports in their entirety, we call for accuracy in transmitting information,” the Iraqi military’s Security Media Cell said in a statement late on Thursday.
The Houthis, also known as Ansarullah, are an armed group part of what is known as the Iran-led Axis of Resistance. They have carried out attacks on vessels affiliated with Israel and its allies in the Red Sea since October 2023, during the Israel-Hamas War, saying their goal is to alleviate pressure on their Palestinian allies in Gaza.
US President Donald Trump’s administration has authorized attacks on the Houthis, continuing a policy begun by his predecessor Joe Biden.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Sunday received a call from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The American attacks in Yemen were part of their conversation.
Hegseth noted that while Washington “does not seek escalation,” US operations would end only when the Houthis cease their attacks that are impacting navigation in the Red Sea.
“Some media outlets have circulated news regarding the Houthis' use of a training camp in the al-Khalis area in Diyala, Iraq. While we completely deny these reports in their entirety, we call for accuracy in transmitting information,” the Iraqi military’s Security Media Cell said in a statement late on Thursday.
The Houthis, also known as Ansarullah, are an armed group part of what is known as the Iran-led Axis of Resistance. They have carried out attacks on vessels affiliated with Israel and its allies in the Red Sea since October 2023, during the Israel-Hamas War, saying their goal is to alleviate pressure on their Palestinian allies in Gaza.
US President Donald Trump’s administration has authorized attacks on the Houthis, continuing a policy begun by his predecessor Joe Biden.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Sunday received a call from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The American attacks in Yemen were part of their conversation.
Hegseth noted that while Washington “does not seek escalation,” US operations would end only when the Houthis cease their attacks that are impacting navigation in the Red Sea.
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