Report: What Groups are Included in Iran's Axis of Resistance?

Militant groups supported by the Islamic Republic have targeted Israel and U.S. bases since Hamas's attack on October 7, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region. On Sunday, January 28, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that in a recent drone attack by Islamic Resistance militias in Iraq on a U.S. base in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border, three were killed and at least 34 were injured. We will now address the key groups involved in recent attacks. Islamic Resistance in Iraq: This group, which includes radical Shiite militias close to the Islamic Republic, claimed responsibility for the attack on the U.S. base near the Syrian and Jordanian border. Since October 7, it has claimed responsibility for over 150 attacks on U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq, resulting in injuries to dozens. In response, the U.S. has conducted several retaliatory strikes against this group. Shiite groups supported by the Islamic Republic emerged as powerful actors in Iraq after the U.S.-led international coalition's invasion in 2003, boasting tens of thousands of militants. They played a leading role in the fight against the Sunni extremist group ISIS and fought as part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi). While members of these militias receive salaries from the government and are technically under the Prime Minister's command, they often operate outside the chain of command. Groups like Kata'ib Hezbollah and the Nujaba Islamic Resistance Movement, which have been targeted by U.S. forces in recent months, have close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Their arsenal includes explosive drones, rockets, and ballistic missiles. They have stated that their operations are part of the effort to 'resist against American occupying forces in Iraq and the region' and in 'response to the massacre' of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel. These groups are designated as terrorist organizations by the United States. Houthis in Yemen: The Houthi group, which controls vast areas of Yemen, announced on October 31 that it had entered the conflict and targeted Israel with drones and missiles. About three months ago, the Houthis attacked commercial ships in the southern Red Sea, claiming to target vessels belonging to Israelis or those heading to Israeli ports. However, some of the targeted ships had no connection to Israel. These attacks prompted the U.S. and Britain to conduct airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. In response, the Houthis declared that all commercial ships and warships of the U.S. and Britain involved in these attacks would be targeted. The group's attacks have disrupted international trade on the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia, forcing some shipping companies to reroute their vessels. The U.S. believes that the IRGC has assisted in planning and executing the Houthi missile and drone attacks, although the Islamic Republic denies any involvement. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that IRGC and Hezbollah commanders are present in Yemen, aiding the Houthis in their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis have denied any assistance from the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah. The U.S. has stated that it will add the Houthis to its list of terrorist groups in response to their attacks. Hezbollah in Lebanon: The Hezbollah militia has intensified its attacks on Israeli positions along the Lebanon border following Hamas's attacks on Israel and the subsequent Israeli response targeting Gaza with the aim of destroying this group. Hezbollah claims that its attacks have contributed to the retention of parts of the Israeli army at the border and forced tens of thousands of Israelis to flee their homes. In response, Israeli air and artillery strikes have forced tens of thousands of Lebanese to flee. In this context, over 150 Hezbollah members and at least 25 Lebanese civilians, as well as at least 9 soldiers and one Israeli civilian, have been killed. A U.S. special envoy is attempting to prevent the escalation of this conflict into a larger war. Established about 42 years ago by the IRGC, Hezbollah serves as a model for other Tehran-backed militias across the region, providing some with advice or training. Hezbollah is considered more powerful than the Lebanese government. The U.S. designates Hezbollah as a terrorist group.