Iran-backed 4 militants dead in US drone attack in Iraq
In Baghdad on Thursday, a drone strike, attributed to the U.S.-led international coalition by Iraqi authorities, resulted in the tragic death of four members of an Iran-aligned Iraqi militia. Additionally, six individuals were wounded in the attack, which was executed using a drone that targeted a building in eastern Baghdad utilized by the Iraqi militia group al-Nujaba’a. Eyewitnesses on the ground reported at least two rockets fired by the drone, causing devastation in the area.
A response from the Iraqi armed forces condemned the strike as unjustified, with a formal statement holding the international coalition responsible for the assault on an Iraqi security entity. The statement underscored al-Nujaba’a as an Iraqi force, operating with the authorization of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Al-Sudani, who secured power a year ago, finds himself navigating a delicate balance of control over various Iran-backed factions that played a pivotal role in his ascent and now constitute a formidable bloc in his governing coalition.
Vow to make the Americans “regret”
Thursday’s targeted rockets struck a vehicle inside the Nujaba’a headquarters, resulting in casualties that included a local group commander and one of his aides. Disturbing visuals from pro-militia websites depicted a destroyed vehicle engulfed in flames. As Iraqi security sources await further details, a government investigation is pending to uncover the responsible party behind the drone strike.
More to read:Hamas deputy killed in Beirut blast
Iraqi militia commanders, quick to response, openly accused the United States of orchestrating the attack and issued stern warnings of retaliatory measures. The tension in the region escalates as these factions vow to make the Americans “regret” the perceived aggression.
Shifting focus to Iran, the prvious day witnessed a tragic incident during an event commemorating the late Qassem Soleimani in Kerman. Two explosions, characterized as “terrorist attacks” by Iranian state television, claimed the lives of over 80 individuals and left numerous others injured. These explosions occurred during an anniversary ceremony at Soleimani’s burial site, adding another layer of complexity to the regional security landscape.