High-Ranking Militia Commander Killed in US Airstrike in Baghdad
In a recent development, a high-ranking militia commander was killed in an airstrike on a logistical support headquarters of an Iran-backed militia in central Baghdad. According to a U.S. official, the airstrike was carried out by the United States. The strike occurred amid mounting regional tensions fueled by the Israel-Hamas war and fears of the conflict spilling over into surrounding countries.
The Popular Mobilization Force (PMF), a coalition of militias nominally under Iraqi military control, announced the death of their deputy head of operations in Baghdad. However, it remains unclear who exactly carried out the airstrike. The Iraqi military spokesman holds the International Coalition Forces responsible for the attack, claiming they were operating in accordance with their powers granted by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Iraqi officials have been pushing for US-led coalition forces to leave the country, viewing their presence as a threat to sovereignty. Iraq’s Foreign Ministry has described the recent strike as a dangerous escalation and has reserved the right to take necessary measures to protect its territory and security forces.
The U.S. military and embassy in Baghdad have not responded to requests for comment, leaving the situation open to speculation. The primary mission of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq is to fight ISIS, but they have transitioned to an advisory and training role. The PMF, a group of Iranian-backed Shiite militias, played a significant role in the fight against ISIS.
According to anonymous militia officials, the airstrike killed two people and injured five. The targeted area was heavily secured, with journalists not allowed near. Interestingly, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-backed militia group, has carried out over 100 attacks on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The group claims these attacks are in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel and aims to push U.S. forces out of Iraq.
This latest airstrike is expected to intensify calls for a U.S. departure from the region. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has expressed a desire to end the presence of international coalition forces within the country. It is worth noting that the strike comes just two days after a suspected Israeli drone strike killed a Hamas deputy leader in Beirut. However, Israel has declined to comment on its involvement in the Baghdad airstrike.
As tensions escalate in the region, all stakeholders will be closely watching the unfolding situation and its potential impacts on the broader Middle East. Any further developments and responses from U.S. and Iraqi officials are eagerly awaited.
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