Official banner of The Islamic Resistance in Iraq – ‘Ashab al-Kahf
A shadowy Iraqi group claimed on May 4 that it seized classified Norwegian intelligence documents during a covert security operation that took place more than two years ago.
In a statement, the group,known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq – ‘Ashab al-Kahf, said that its operatives raided an office of the Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS) in al-Jihad district of the southern Iraqi city of Basrah on 7 December 2021. The operatives seized many classified documents as well as loads of explosive materials from the office.
The documents proved close cooperation between the NIS and the intelligence services of both France and Germany to service “Israeli goals” in Iraq and the region, the group said.
“In this statement, we claim responsibility for this security operation. While we fear no consequence, the enemy should fear what we are doing and what we are going to do in the coming days,” the group concluded.
‘Ashab al-Kahf didn’t share any example of the seized documents to prove its claims. The Norwegian government and the NIS are yet to comment on the issue.
‘Ashab al-Kahf is one of several pro-Iran groups that emerged in Iraq after the assassination of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy-Commander of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units, and Commander of Iran’s Quds Force, Qassim Soleimani, by the United States more than three years ago.
Norway is a key member of the U.S.-led coalition operating in Iraq under the pretext of fighting ISIS. At most, 600 Norwegian troops were deployed in the country.
In April, ‘Ashab al-Kahf released two statements warning the Iraqi government of increasing activities by the U.S. intelligence in the country as well as of an Israeli plot to launch strikes from the country’s airspace with help of Western intelligence services.
Iran’s allies have been conducting overt attacks and covert security operations against the U.S.-led coalition for the last few years. Despite this, Washington and its allies appear to be determined to stay in the country for the long term.
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