The Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) raided a headquarter of the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah in the Dora district in southern Baghdad early Friday morning. CTS confiscated a number of rocket launchers and arrested dozens of militia members.

The rocket attacks against US bases have increased significantly recently, especially after the assassination in January of Iran’s top commander Qasem Soleimani and his right-hand man Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. A further rise in attacks came when the new Iraqi government decided to open a strategic dialogue with the United States on their bilateral relations; the first session was held June 11 and the next session is expected to held in Washington next month, in the presence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. The targets of the recent attacks include the US Embassy in the heavily fortified Green Zone, a US military base near Baghdad International Airport and Taji military base north of Baghdad.

Over the last few months, new militias have been formed, including Osbat al-Thairin, Ghabdhat al-Huda, Kataib Thourat al-Ishrin, Ashab al-Kahf, Thar al-Muhandis Brigade and Jond Soleimani. However, it seems that these groups are only a cover for Kataib Hezbollah to undertake attacks against the United States in Iraq, without taking official responsibility.

Soon after the CTS operation, hundreds of Kataib Hezbollah members and its allied forces, including Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, gathered at the gates of the Green Zone and briefly entered the area, reaching the CTS building and threatening that they would attack it if their detained members would not be released within 24 hours.