In recent years, as I have noted previously, a number of names of alleged new ‘resistance’ groups in Iraq have appeared, officially aimed at targeting the American presence in Iraq. One of the most prominent in this regard is Ashab al-Kahf, with whom I conducted an interview in April.

However, new names continue to appear, with one being announced today under the name of ‘Kata’ib Karbala’’ (‘The Karbala’ Battalions’) and being promoted by the same Telegram channels that promote Ashab al-Kahf. Its creation could of course just be social media psy-ops to inflate the number of new groups ostensibly ready to target the U.S. presence as part of upping the pressure on the Americans to leave Iraq.

Below is the Kata’ib Karbala’ statement translated by me.