Ashab al-Kahf faction threatens military response to US presence in Iraq

The Ashab al-Kahf faction in Iraq has announced that it will monitor Iraqi airspace for United States aircraft and respond to any foreign presence, whether by land or air, starting September 30, 2026.

In a statement, the group declared its intention to defend its weapons and its role within the Resistance Axis, rejecting calls to surrender arms to political or partisan entities. The faction asserted that its loyalty remains with religious authority and stated that any attempt to undermine its legitimacy or presence would be met with military action.

The group also issued a warning to any nation participating in aggression against the Islamic Republic to evacuate its military and economic interests. Additionally, the faction claimed it would soon unveil a new weapon and accused certain figures, including Tom Barrack, of attempting to remove Iraq from the Resistance Axis.