Hezbollah Announces Suspension of Military Operations Against U.S. Forces in Iraq & Syria, Shifting to Passive Defense

Defense News ,Middle East :- Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi Resistance faction, has declared a temporary suspension of its military operations against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. The decision aims to avoid embarrassing the Iraqi government and follows extensive discussions with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The move toward "passive defense" is in response to perceived hostile actions by the United States.

According to Farhad Alaadin, the Advisor for Foreign Affairs to the Iraqi Prime Minister, all sides are urged to support efforts to prevent any potential escalation. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder emphasized the significance of actions over words, citing recent attacks since January 28.

Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi stated that Kataib Hezbollah will support the people of Gaza without foreign intervention, continuing defense through non-armed means. The faction's decision to adopt passive defense in the face of hostile U.S. actions was announced, with an acknowledgment that the specifics of their activities are not known to allied groups in the Axis of Resistance.

Previously, Kataib Resistance had transitioned to the second phase of operations, focusing on blockading Mediterranean maritime routes to Israeli-occupied ports. This development came amid U.S. President Joe Biden's response to a drone strike that killed three American troops, blaming Iran for supplying weapons.

Despite Biden's commitment to avoiding a wider conflict in the region, concerns were raised over multiple potential actions. The president acknowledged the need for a measured approach and expressed reluctance to escalate tensions, particularly with Iran. The White House issued a warning of forthcoming actions without divulging specifics, emphasizing a desire to prevent a broader war in the Middle East.