The U.S. State Department has decided to temporarily shut down its Consulate in Basra, Iraq, and evacuate all personnel due to escalating security concerns following recent rocket attacks. Despite no injuries reported, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attributed the threat to Iranian forces and their militia proxies. The situation is particularly sensitive given Basra's significance as Iraq's oil capital, which has faced ongoing unrest regarding corruption and public service failures. Continuous militia influence since the U.S. invasion in 2003 has exacerbated these issues, fueling the protests.
The decision to close the U.S. Consulate in Basra and evacuate diplomats was prompted by safety concerns following a rocket attack, underscoring tensions with Iranian-backed militias.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized that the U.S. will respond appropriately to attacks on its personnel, pointing to the threat posed by Iran and its militia proxies.
Despite no casualties from recent attacks in Basra, U.S. officials classified them as 'life-threatening', highlighting the ongoing risk faced by American diplomatic missions in Iraq.
Basra, Iraq's oil capital, has seen a resurgence of protests due to longstanding issues such as poor public services and the impact of militia control since the 2003 invasion.
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