Iraq and Iran are reportedly ramping up efforts to train hundreds of fighters for pro-Iranian militias, particularly the Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq. This development, as reported by the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, suggests preparations for a potential regional conflict, especially in light of recent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
According to a report published Friday in Al-Akhbar, hundreds of fighters are being trained in Iraq to join pro-Iranian militias, with a focus on the Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq.
Sources told the newspaper that the training is taking place both within Iraq and outside its borders, under the supervision of Iranian experts. They confirmed that these exercises are being conducted against the backdrop of a potential all-out war in the region, especially following the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The sources noted that while training fighters from Iraqi factions is not new, there has been an increased focus on this effort since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. The report states that advanced weapons, rockets, and drones have arrived in Iraq from Iran and Russia, necessitating specialized training for the fighters.
The newspaper, known for its pro-Iranian stance, further claimed, that there are more than ten training camps in various Iraqi cities, working on two missions: the first is training regular fighters, and the second is training individuals under the supervision of military experts from Iran. These individuals are trained to the level of Iranian Revolutionary Guards or Hezbollah members.
According to the sources, there are groups currently receiving training in Iran, and they are about to complete their training and return to Iraq. These groups include members of Hashd al-Shaabi, Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq, and the Al-Nujaba Movement all pro-Iranian militias. The training is not only military but also prepares individuals capable of conducting recruitment from an ideological and jihadist perspective.
Firas Al-Yasser, a member of the political bureau of the Al-Nujaba Movement, told Al-Akhbar, "The resistance continues to prepare, as there are calculations that the war might expand. Therefore, there are many preparations currently underway. There is training of combat forces in military centers." He added that the militias have their own calculations. Al-Yasser mentioned that "there are American bases scattered in the region, and if aggression begins against Lebanon, I expect there will be strategic attacks against these bases."
