Shia group denies link to threats against Iraq premier

BAGHDAD, Iraq

A Shia militia on Saturday dismissed any link with gunmen threatening Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, amid tension over recent rocket attacks on the US Embassy in Baghdad.

A video went viral on social media of gunmen claiming to be members in Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq group while threatening al-Kadhimi with “punishment” in response to any attack on group leader Qais al-Khazali.

The video appeared after a group member was arrested in connection with rocket attacks on the US Embassy in Baghdad earlier this week.

A spokesman, however, said that his group has no link to the militants in the video. “The priority of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq is to maintain the prestige of the state,” the spokesman said in statements.

Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq is a member of the pro-government Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization) group.

On Friday, al-Kadhimi pledged to confront those whom he described as the "law breakers".

Washington blames Iran-backed Shia militias for rocket attacks on foreign diplomatic missions and US and foreign forces in Iraq.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara