The Revolutionary Guards established secret cells in Iraq to attack the Gulf countries

The Revolutionary Guards established new secret cells in Iraq with the aim of carrying out attacks against the Gulf countries that host American forces, as reported this morning (Friday) by the Reuters news agency.

According to the report, the move allowed Iran to use a force directly under orders from Tehran and not related to the known militia network, which also allowed it to avoid exposure. In doing so, Iran is expanding its military influence in Iraq, against the backdrop of a trend for some of the pro-Iranian militias to disarm.

According to the sources, which include Iraqi military and security officials alongside local militia commanders, three or four cells operate in the country: each cell has about 10 elite Shiite fighters, who launched at least seven suicide drones from desert areas in southern Iraq, near the cities of Basra and Samawa. The operations were carried out between April 20 and May 17.

The cells directed the attacks against targets in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Among the targets targeted were the “Ali al-Salem” air force base in Kuwait, where American forces are deployed, and a military terminal at the country’s international airport. The attacks against Saudi Arabia and the Emirates were intercepted.

Experts and militia commanders point out that the establishment of the secret cells marks a significant tactical change on the part of the Revolutionary Guards. Iran seeks to preserve its ability to project regional power at a time when its proxy network, known as the “Axis of Resistance”, has suffered severe blows.

In addition, the sources indicate that Iran’s economic and military resources are extremely depleted following the last war. In accordance with all this, the move to establish small and secret cells is actually intended to allow military activity even under these limitations, while reducing the risk of direct involvement that would expose the state to a reaction.