Iraq has for years sought to balance its relations between regional and international powers, but it has found itself at the center of escalating tensions, as its major cities—particularly Baghdad and Basra—have turned into open arenas for rockets, drones and violent protests.
The events of April 7 began in Basra province in southern Iraq, often described as the country’s economic “lung,” contributing about 90% of the state’s financial revenues.
A “heavy” rocket struck a residential home in the Safwan district near the Kuwaiti border. Initial reports indicated that at least three people were killed and others wounded. Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani declared three days of mourning and accused Israel and the United States of carrying out the strike.
As rescue teams attempted to recover bodies from beneath the rubble, conflicting accounts about the source of the attack began to emerge. Some claimed the rockets were launched from Kuwaiti territory, a claim Kuwait denied.
Security and medical officials told Reuters that at least three people were killed and five others wounded when rockets launched from the direction of Kuwait struck a house in Khor al-Zubair near Basra.
Alhurra reviewed official correspondence related to the incident indicating that the targeted home is located in al-Zubair district in Basra province. The residence, situated on agricultural land, had been occupied by members of armed factions who arrived there about 25 days earlier.
The correspondence stated that during their presence, the group installed military equipment and satellite communication devices at the site.
Following the incident, forces from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) arrived at the scene and pushed security forces away from the targeted location.
Before PMF members arrived, security forces were able to locate surveillance devices inside the house, after which PMF members demanded that the equipment be handed over.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident and the nature of the devices found, amid heightened security measures in the surrounding area, a security source in Basra police told Alhurra.
Hundreds of protesters, some described as supporters of armed factions, gathered outside the Kuwaiti Consulate in the province.
Despite attempts by security forces to disperse them using tear gas, dozens of individuals managed to breach the consulate’s perimeter, lower the Kuwaiti flag and raise the Iraqi flag along with factional slogans in its place.
Hours later, the capital Baghdad witnessed a bloody night of aerial and rocket bombardment targeting residential neighborhoods and security installations.
Explosions were heard across multiple areas on both sides of the Tigris—Karkh and Rusafa—starting at 11 p.m. local time, according to Iraq’s Interior Ministry.
A security position belonging to the Federal Police’s Second Division, Fifth Brigade, in the Sabaa al-Bour area north of Baghdad, was directly targeted in an airstrike.
The strike, which also hit a nearby PMF camp, resulted in the injury of a police captain and four personnel who were on duty.
In the Amiriya district in western Baghdad, an “unknown” rocket struck, killing two civilians and completely burning down a house.
The Interior Ministry reported additional rockets landing in unpopulated areas near Baghdad International Airport and in Sabaa al-Bour, where unexploded ordnance was later secured by civil defense teams and explosive experts to prevent further casualties.
The Rusafa side of the capital was not spared. In Palestine Street, particularly at major intersections, an airstrike targeted a house and caused part of its roof to catch fire.
An Iraqi security source from the Interior Ministry told Alhurra that the owner of the house in Palestine Street where explosions occurred had been arrested, and weapons and ammunition were found inside.
According to the source, the homeowner is believed to be affiliated with an armed faction, though his identity has not yet been confirmed.
In the Jamila and al-Maghrib Street areas in eastern Baghdad, security agencies recorded civilian vehicles catching fire due to flying shrapnel and direct airstrikes.
These developments have placed the Iraqi government in an embarrassing position, revealing Baghdad’s inability to meet its international obligations. Diplomatic missions are protected under the Vienna Convention, and breaching them constitutes a “serious violation of Iraq’s international commitments,” Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said, holding Baghdad fully responsible for protecting its missions.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani finds himself in a difficult position. On one hand, he represents the Shiite Coordination Framework, to which most armed factions belong; on the other, he is seeking to preserve Iraq’s partnerships with the United States and Gulf countries to ensure continued economic and security support.
Despite the United States and Iran announcing a two-week ceasefire, warplanes continued flying over Baghdad until 2 a.m. Wednesday.
The article is a translation of the original Arabic.
Mustafa Saadoon
Mustafa Saadoon is an Iraqi journalist who has worked for several international and Arab media organizations. He covers politics and human rights.
