The Iraqi Security Media Cell (SMC), the anti-ISIS propaganda arm of the Iraqi government, denied that it is cooperating with the U.S. in targeting Iraqi militia elements responsible for the attacks on U.S. bases. The U.S. has been declaring this cooperation.
On Jan. 4, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said that “We do know that the Iraqi Security Forces have continued to assist in identifying in some cases where these Iranian proxies have conducted attacks against U.S. forces and we’re very appreciative of that support.”