Drones intercepted over Jordan likely launched by Iran-backed Iraqi militias, source tells 'Post'

Three drones intercepted over Jordan on Monday and Tuesday are suspected to have been launched by Iran-backed Shi'ite militias based in Iraq, a source told The Jerusalem Post. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted two drones around 11 a.m. on Monday and a third shortly before 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

While the aircraft did not cross into Israeli airspace, the IDF confirmed that the source of the launch is under investigation. At the time of reporting, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the largest coalition of Iran-backed militias in Iraq, had not issued any claims of responsibility on its official platforms.

The PMF, which includes powerful factions like Badr and Kataib Hezbollah, has a history of launching attacks against entities deemed enemies by Iran. These have included alleged strikes on buildings belonging to the Kurdistan Regional Government in Erbil, U.S. bases in Jordan and Syria, and Saudi oil infrastructure. The PMF has also been linked to a drone attack targeting Riyadh in January 2021.

This incident highlights the ongoing regional tensions and the potential for Iran-backed groups to extend their operational reach, utilizing Iraqi territory as a launchpad for attacks in neighboring countries. The investigation into the drone's origin is ongoing.

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The aircraft did not cross into Israeli territory, and the source of the launch is under investigation.