Parliament held first session since Oct election, Popular Mobilisation Forces stepped up attacks, and Islamic State carried out one of its deadliest attacks in months. Parliament 9 Jan held first session since Oct election, re-electing Mohammed al-Halbousi as parliament speaker, Sadrist movement’s Hakim al-Zamili as first deputy and Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) Shakhawan Abdullah as second deputy; session went ahead despite verbal altercations and suspected attempts at disruption in line with Shia coordination framework’s wishes; latter 10 Jan filed complaint at Supreme Court challenging parliament proceedings as unconstitutional but court 25 Jan rejected appeal to overturn selection of speaker. Following session, unclaimed hand grenade attacks 13 Jan targeted KDP headquarters, 14 Jan struck Sunni Taqaddum and Azm party offices in capital Baghdad in likely warning to Shia leader of largest bloc Muqtada al-Sadr not to exclude Shia parties in govt formation. Twin explosions 16 Jan targeted banks associated with Kurdish politicians in Baghdad, injuring two. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Ismael Qaani and Hizbollah representative Mohammed al-Kawtharani 16-17 Jan mediated between Shia parties in Baghdad, with some sources indicating Iran’s possible acceptance of non-Shia majority govt. Rockets 25 Jan struck near speaker’s residence in Karma district, Anbar province, injuring two civilians. In increase of attacks compared to last month, Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF)-affiliated resistance factions early Jan conducted at least 22 attacks on domestic and foreign targets; notably, in commemoration of 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, PMF 3-6 Jan launched drone and rocket attacks on Green Zone and airport in Baghdad and Ain al-Asad air base in Anbar governorate; previously unknown group Qassem al-Jabarayn 5 Jan claimed Ain al-Asad attack. Also marking Soleimani’s killing, thousands 1 Jan rallied in Baghdad chanting anti-U.S. slogans. PMF-affiliated groups 6 Jan attacked Peshmerga forces near Altun Kopri in Kirkuk governorate. Rocket attack targeting U.S. embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone 13 Jan injured two. Six rockets 28 Jan hit Baghdad International Airport compound and landed near U.S. air base Camp Victory. ISIS attacks continued throughout month; most notably, suspected ISIS gunmen 21 Jan attacked army barracks in Azim district in Diyala governorate, killing 11 soldiers.

Islamic State (ISIS) attacks killed dozens, U.S.-led coalition forces formally ended combat mission, and deadlock over govt formation continued following disputed election results. Surge of ISIS attacks on Peshmerga forces along border between Kurdistan region and disputed territories continued early Dec; notably, ISIS 2 Dec killed ten Peshmerga and three civilians in at-tack on Khidir Jija village in Makhmur region; 5 Dec reportedly killed four Peshmer-ga and one civilian in Qara Salem village. ISIS same day took control of Luhaiban village before Iraqi security forces recaptured it next day. ISIS 6 Dec killed four Peshmerga in attack near oilfield between Kirkuk and Makhmur cities. In southern city Basra, rare motorcycle bomb 7 Dec killed four and injured 20; while attack remained unclaimed, Basra governor blamed ISIS. In Diyala governorate, ISIS attack killed three soldiers in Qara Tapa. Ahead of 31 Dec deadline for withdrawal of coalition troops, National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji 9 Dec announced end of Coalition Forces’ combat mission. Coalition next day announced start of new “advise, assist and enable mission” consisting of 2,500 U.S. troops; pro-Iran paramilitary groups subsequently condemned largely unchanged troop numbers. Two rockets 18 Dec hit Green Zone near U.S. embassy in capital Baghdad. Federal Supreme Court 27 Dec ratified final election results, after rejecting fraud allegations submitted early month by Fateh Alliance leader Hadi al-Ameri, who requested results be annulled. Meanwhile, Shiite parties continued negotiations over govt formation. In Sinjar district, Turkish airstrike targeting vehicle outside Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)-affiliated Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS) headquarters 7 Dec killed local commander Marwan Badal in Khanasour village; protests against Turkish airstrikes 12 Dec set fire to Iraqi army vehicle in Sinuni town. Turkish defence ministry 9 Dec announced death of three soldiers in PKK attack in northern Iraq; Ankara launched retaliatory air attacks reportedly killing PKK-affiliated militants in northern Iraq throughout month. Syrian PKK-affiliated Revolutionary Youth Union members 15 Dec clashed with Iraqi border authorities at Fishkhabour-Semalka border crossing, demanding return of Syrian Kurdish fighters’ bodies killed in Turkish airstrike; clashes prompted closure of border point, sparking fears among humanitarian agencies about access to Syria.

PM al-Kadhimi survived assassination attempt, protests against election results turned violent in capital Baghdad, and Islamic State (ISIS) continued deadly attacks. Three explosive-laden drones 7 Nov targeted PM al-Kadhimi’s residence in capital Baghdad’s Green Zone, injuring six guards; while unclaimed, Iraqi security and militia sources reportedly attributed attack to Iran-backed paramilitary groups. Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ismail Qaani 8 Nov visited Baghdad in show of support to al-Kadhimi. Attack followed weeks-long sit-in outside Green Zone by Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)-affiliated parties in protest of parliamentary election result; notably, protesters 5 Nov tried to breach Green Zone and clashed with security forces; according to health ministry at least 150 were injured, while paramilitary group Asaib Ahl al-Haq claimed two were killed. Amid ongoing appeals against 10 Oct election result, losing parties continued call for vote recount; notably, prominent Shiite coalition Fateh Alliance 18 Nov filed lawsuit with Federal Court to annul election results. Final results released 30 Nov confirmed victory of Muqtada al-Sadr’s movement with 73 seats, followed by Sunni Taqaddum Party with 37 seats. Leader of Sadrist movement Muqtada al-Sadr, whose bloc increased parliamentary seats in election, 18 Nov called on PMF to purge “undisciplined elements” and urged armed factions to disband and come under control of PM and Hashd al-Shaabi Commission (organisation under PM’s nominal control set up in 2014 in attempt to institutionalise paramilitary groups, but which prompted recruitment drive by paramilitary groups in defiance). Sadr next day announced dissolution of Promised Day Brigade armed faction as “goodwill gesture”. Meanwhile, Iraqi security source reported ISIS attack 6 Nov killed two coal workers in Hawija district, Kirkuk governorate; ISIS 9 Nov attacked fishing boats on Zarka River in Tuz district, Salah al-Din governorate, killing two; ISIS next day attacked police unit in same area, killing two; ISIS 28 Nov killed five Peshmerga in northern Diyala governorate. Military 23 Nov announced foreign combat troops would leave Iraq within 15 days, while small foreign presence would remain at Ain al-Assad base. Meanwhile, Turkish security forces targeted alleged Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq throughout month.

Parliamentary elections held amid record low turnout, gun attacks and fraud allegations, while security forces arrested two prominent Islamic State (ISIS) members. Iraqis 10 Oct cast their ballots in general election that witnessed lowest voter turnout of any election since 2003, with only 41% participation of registered voters. Main winners included Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s movement, which boosted seats in parliament from 54 to 73, while pro-Iran Shiite parties, including Fateh Alliance, lost seats; Tishreen protest movement-linked party Imtidad recorded successes in southern governorates. EU observer mission 12 Oct said vote was “well-managed and competitive” amid concerns over low turnout and press freedoms. Notably, gun attack on election centre in Riyad region, south of Kirkuk city, reportedly killed three police officials; unknown gunmen same day attacked voting centre in Sa’diyah town, Diyala governorate, injuring two soldiers. Several Shiite parties 12 Oct alleged fraud, called for recount; pro-Iran paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah called vote “scam”, threatening violence. Hundreds of supporters of paramilitary coalition Popular Mobilisation Forces 17 Oct blocked roads south and north of capital Baghdad in protest at results and 19 Oct began sit-in near Green Zone in Baghdad. Earlier in month, around 1,000 protesters 1 Oct demonstrated in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, marking two-year anniversary of Oct 2019 protest movement. Meanwhile, ISIS attacks remained lethal, primarily in Kirkuk, Anbar, Diyala and Salah-al Din governorates. Notably, ISIS 3 Oct killed soldier in clashes near Tuz Khurmatu district that cut off Baghdad-Kirkuk highway; attack on village in Diyala 26 Oct killed 12 and injured another 15. PM al-Kadhimi 11 Oct announced capture of senior ISIS leader Sami Jasim in intelligence operation and 18 Oct announced arrest of ISIS militant Ghazwan al-Zobai in unidentified foreign country and transport to Iraq 16 Oct; al-Zobai was mastermind behind 2016 bombing that killed almost 300 people in Baghdad. ISIS attack 26 Oct on Shiite village in Diyala governorate killed at least 15 and prompted retaliation by residents on Sunni village accused of siding with group. Turkey continued operations against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK): airstrikes throughout month targeting suspected PKK in northern Iraq neutralised dozens of alleged militants.

Opposition parties announced boycott of October polls, Islamic State (ISIS) conducted deadliest attack this year, and Turkey continued operations against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). In run-up to 10 Oct elections, office of PM al-Kadhimi 1 Sept announced security forces had thwarted plan to “rig the elections by putting pressure on a number of election commission employees”. Around 40 political parties associated with 2019 Tishreen protest movement 4 Sept announced boycott of elections, saying polls “lack integrity, fairness and equal opportunities”. UN official 22 Sept said UN election observers will number over 800. Meanwhile, series of suspected ISIS attacks continued. Notably, in Kirkuk governorate suspected ISIS militants 2 Sept killed one soldier; 5 Sept killed 13 federal police officers in Rashad region in deadliest attack this year; 11 Sept killed three federal police officers. ISIS ambush 21 Sept killed two in Garmiyan area, Sulaymaniyah governorate. Military and Peshmerga 17 Sept announced joint security operation against ISIS. Turkey continued operations – including airstrikes – against PKK in northern Iraq (see Turkey). In sign of increasing PKK retaliatory at-tacks in population centres, IED 15 Sept killed two members of so-called Rojava Peshmerga armed group in Akre, Duhok governorate. Unknown assailants 18 Sept shot dead mid-ranking PKK commander Yasin Bulut in Sulaymaniyah province. In-security and attacks persisted across country. In Nineveh governorate, gunmen 5 Sept killed at least three soldiers in attack on army checkpoint south of Mosul city; attack on vehicle same day killed paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces commander in Babil governorate. Explosives attack 11 Sept killed at least four near Makhmour. Rockets 11 Sept targeted Erbil International Airport hosting U.S.-led coalition; in al-Muthanna governorate, IED next day reportedly targeted international coalition convoy. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) 9 Sept fired missiles at headquarters of unspecified foreign-backed organisation near Erbil city; Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran same day said it was targeted; IRGC 20 Sept struck four bases belonging to “anti-revolutionary groups”. While Baghdad and Washington 16 Sept reportedly agreed to reduce U.S. troops in Anbar and Erbil provinces, New York Times 20 Sept reported that U.S. deployed additional 2,000 troops for nine months.

Divisions emerged within political factions ahead of Oct elections, security operations targeted Islamic State (ISIS), and intra-Kurdish rivalry boiled over in Kurdistan. Tensions rose within ethno-sectarian political blocs ahead of 10 Oct parliamentary elections. Within Sunni bloc, rivalry between Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, politician Mohammed al-Kabourli and challenger Khamis al-Khanjar escalated throughout month into acts of sabotage, including removal of campaign advertisement. Among pro-Iran Shia parties, tensions arose between factions of paramilitary coalition Population Mobilisation Forces (PMF), chiefly Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Hezbollah, which early Aug publicly accused each other of corruption. Hamid al-Yaseri, leader of PMF group Ansar al-Marjaiya, 14 Aug delivered speech describing resistance groups’ loyalty to Iran as “treasonous”. Shiite cleric and leader of largest parliamentary bloc Muqtada al-Sadr 27 Aug reversed July decision to boycott Oct election. In northern Baghdad, security forces 14 Aug launched large-scale anti-ISIS operation, arresting seven suspected ISIS members, and next day killed ISIS leader Mustafa Hassan Ismail. In Diyala province, security forces 18 Aug arrested three suspected ISIS members for attack on power lines. PM Kadhimi 23 Aug announced second operation in Tarimyah town, north of Baghdad. In Kurdistan region, infighting within prominent political faction escalated. Co-chair of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Bafel Talabani 2 Aug issued decision to expel his cousin and co-chair Lahur Talabani from Iraq, in move that escalated July power struggle between two leaders; Lahur 3 Aug declared authorities had issued warrant for his arrest and said he had no intention of leaving, raising prospect of clash between Peshmerga brigades under each leader’s command. President Barham Salih 3 Aug intervened to mediate, alleviating tensions. Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) 12 Aug conducted mortar attack on Turkish military base in northern Iraq, killing one Turkish soldier; reported Turkish drone and airstrikes 16-17 Aug around Sinjar district targeting PKK-linked Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS) and medical clinic killed at least ten people, including civilians and senior YBS member Said Hassan. Internationally, govt 28 Aug hosted regional summit with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the Emirates and some European countries to discuss avenues for cooperation, especially on economy and energy.

Amid ongoing rocket attacks, PM Kadhimi and U.S. President Biden set timeline of U.S. combat troop withdrawal; Islamic State (ISIS) militants killed dozens of civilians across country. Rockets 5, 7 July hit Ain al-Assad airbase in Anbar province (west) hosting coalition troops, injuring two; Shiite armed group Revenge of al-Muhandis Brigade same day claimed responsibility. Rockets next day targeted U.S. embassy in capital Baghdad, landing in Green Zone; Iran-backed militias denied involvement. Following talks with PM Kadhimi, U.S. President Biden 26 July announced 2,500 U.S. troops in country would end combat mission by end of year but would continue training and advisory roles. Meanwhile, ISIS militants 3 July killed four fishermen at Haditha Dam, Anbar province. Militants 4 July clashed with villagers in Diyala province (east), killing five. ISIS-linked suicide bomber same day killed at least 35 and wounded over 60 in Sadr City market, Baghdad, on eve of Eid al-Adha, marking third market bombing in neighbourhood in 2021. Security forces 19 July announced arrest of prominent ISIS leader “Emir of Baghdad”. Power line failure 2 July caused widespread blackout in Baghdad and southern provinces amid extreme summer heat, triggering protests in southern city Basra. Joint Operation Command 4 July confirmed ISIS attacked dozens of electricity pylons early month. Supreme Judicial Council 8 July issued arrest warrants for suspects in 2020 killing of security specialist and govt adviser Husham al-Hashimi; Kadhimi 16 July announced arrest of suspects; protesters 18 July demonstrated in Baghdad demanding govt to ensure adviser’s killers are held accountable. Ahead of Oct parliamentary elections, Shiite cleric and leader of largest parliamentary bloc Muqtada al-Sadr 15 July announced withdrawal from polls; Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, head of Chaldean Church, next day said Christians would not vote over concerns of militias and risk of fraud. Peshmerga and Kurdistan Workers’ Party 24 July traded accusations of opening fire on each other’s positions in Duhok province. In Nasiriyah, deadly fire caused by oxygen containers 12 July killed at least 92 in COVID-19 ward at al-Hussein Teaching Hospital. Kirkuk health director 22 July warned of health sector collapse amid record highs of COVID-19 cases.

Amid ongoing calls to resolve targeted killings of activists, rocket attacks continued to target U.S.-led coalition and skirmishes broke out between Kurdish factions. Rocket attacks against U.S.-led coalition forces persisted. Armed group 6 June launched rocket at Baghdad international airport base hosting coalition forces; U.S. troops same day shot down two drones above Ain al-Asad airbase, Anbar province. Three drones 9 June struck Balad airbase, Salahaddin province; rockets same day struck capital Baghdad, with no casualties reported. Iraqi armed forces 16 June shot down two explosives-laden drones over Baghdad military facilities. Rocket 20 June struck Ain al-Asad airbase, with no casualties reported. After pro-Iran armed groups linked to paramilitary coalition Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) vowed to increase attacks on coalition forces following 26 May arrest of Anbar PMF commander Qasim Muslih suspected of involvement in killings of activists, authorities 9 June released Muslih, citing lack of evidence, in possible sign of govt’s desire to avoid confrontation with PMF. PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi 12 June met protesters in Nasiriyah city, stating “the assault on [activists] comes as part of a battle waged by the state against corruption”. Protesters 20 June staged sit-in in front of Karbala court, Erbil city, demanding govt accountability for May killing of anti-corruption activist Ihab al-Wazni. Meanwhile, tensions rose between Kurdish factions amid Turkish attacks on Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Ankara 5 June used drones to strike PKK forces near camp for internally displaced south of Erbil, killing at least three civilians; Turkish drone 13 June targeted PKK vehicle in Sulaymaniyah province, killing three militants and civilian driver. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) during month established outposts closer to PKK areas; PKK 5 June launched missile at KRG convoy in Amedi district, killing at least one Peshmerga member; PKK 8 June launched rocket at border area of Zakho district, killing one Peshmerga member. Elsewhere, Iraqi military 14 June launched new operation against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Jazeera region and Anbar, western Nineveh and Salahaddin provinces. U.S. 27 June announced airstrikes in Iraq and Syria targeting “facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups”; Iran’s foreign affairs ministry criticised action.

Iran-linked armed groups vowed to increase attacks on U.S. forces and targeted killings increased ahead of October election, fuelling climate of fear; Islamic State (ISIS) launched annual Ramadan offensive. Unknown groups 2-4, 24 May fired rockets at U.S.-led coalition troops in Baghdad airport as well as Balad and Ain al-Asad airbases. Coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups 24 May declared end of unofficial truce with U.S. forces and vowed further attacks, citing “lack of seriousness” of U.S. troop withdrawal. Meanwhile, targeted killings increased, sending chilling message ahead of Oct polls. Unidentified gunmen 9 May killed prominent activist Ihab al-Wazni in Karbala city; protesters same day rallied in Karbala to condemn killing, resulting in roadblocks and torching of vehicles outside Iranian consulate over accusations of pro-Iranian militia involvement. Unknown assailants 10 May shot and seriously injured journalist Ahmed Hassan in Diwaniya city (south). Unknown assailants 22 May injured activist Mohammed Khayat in Nasiriyah city; protesters same day stormed Dhi Qar governorate building. Head of Sunni political bloc Azm Coalition 22 May announced unknown assailants killed electoral candidate. Amid violence, several new parties linked to Oct 2019 protest movement throughout month announced withdrawal from poll citing fear of persecution. In attempt to regain public confidence, PM Kadhimi ordered security forces to raid group affiliated to paramilitary coalition Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), allegedly responsible for killing activist Reham Yacoub in August 2020; in retaliation, suspected PMF-affiliated groups 13 May reportedly attacked security forces’ headquarters in Basra city (south). Kadhimi then ordered arrest of high profile PMF member Qassim Mahmoud Musleh on terrorism charges, prompting PMF factions 26 May to stage large armed rally surrounding Baghdad’s Green Zone. Protesters in capital Baghdad 25 May demanded accountability for some 600 people killed since Oct 2019 protest movement began, and clashed with security forces who responded with live ammunition, killing two. Meanwhile, ISIS conducted dozens of attacks in Diyala and Kirkuk provinces as part of annual Ramadan offensive. Notably in Kirkuk, ISIS fighters 1 May killed three peshmerga officers and 5 May killed at least eight members of federal security forces.

Suspected Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) paramilitary groups continued rocket attacks in capital Baghdad and north as U.S. and govt struck initial deal on withdrawal of coalition troops. Tensions continued between PMF-affiliated groups and U.S. forces. Leader of PMF-affiliated group Asaib Ahl al-Haq 1 April threatened attacks on U.S. assets. Unidentified militants 4 April launched two rockets at Balad air base, north of Baghdad, with no reported casualties, and at least five rockets 18 April hit Balad city in Saladin governorate, wounding two Iraqi soldiers. Explosive-laden drone 14 April targeted coalition forces at Erbil International Airport; pro-Iran group Saraya Awliya al-Dam praised attack; rockets 22 April hit Erbil airport, leaving no reported casualties. In response, Kurdish peshmerga 15 April fired rocket at PMF Brigade 30 outpost in Hamdaniya, Ninewa. Tensions between PMF-linked groups and Turkey over presence of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Sinjar district continued. After Turkish Ministry of Defence 3 April declared readiness to take all necessary measures to “neutralise” PKK presence in area, unidentified armed group 14 April fired rockets at Zilkan military base in Ninewa governorate hosting Turkish military personnel, killing one Turkish soldier; two rockets same day fell short in Gudad village, injuring two civilians; Iraqi security forces recovered launcher in area where PMF Brigade 30 operates; fighting late month killed four more Turkish soldiers. Car bomb 15 April detonated in Sadr City neighbourhood, Baghdad, killing four and wounding 17 with no group immediately claiming responsibility. Meanwhile, U.S. and Iraq 7 April agreed upon withdrawal of all U.S. and coalition combat troops deployed to fight Islamic State (ISIS) forces, stating forces are now “focused on training and advisory tasks”, with further talks expected on exact withdrawal timeline. In south, protesters 3 April shut down three oil facilities in Dhi Qar governorate over lack of support for job security in oil sector in annual federal budget approved 31 March. Protesters 25 April took to streets in several governorates, including Dhi Qar, Wasit, Babil, Karbala and Basra in solidarity with victims of 24 April fire in Baghdad hospital that killed at least 82 people.