US airstrike in Iraq, kills pro-Iran militia leader

The US carried out a drone strike in Baghdad, killing a senior member of the Iranian militia group Harakat al-Nujaba, a move criticized by Iraq.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said on January 4 that the attack targeted a leader of the pro-Iran militia group Harakat al-Nujaba, who was "actively involved in planning and executing attacks against US military personnel." Another member of the group was also killed.

"It's important to note that the strike was in self-defense, no civilians were harmed and no facilities or infrastructure were hit," Ryder told reporters in Washington.

A member of the Al-Hashed al-Shaabi group holds a photo of Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi during a funeral in Baghdad on January 4. Photo: AFP

Iraqi militia commanders vowed revenge. "We will respond and make America regret this act of aggression," Abu Aqeel al-Moussawi, the leader of a local group, said.

The Iraqi government called the attack a "blatant aggression". A spokesman for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described it as an "escalation and dangerous attack".

"The Iraqi armed forces hold the international coalition responsible for the unjustified attack on an Iraqi security entity," a spokesman for the Iraqi prime minister said.

Mr. Sudani has limited influence over some of the Iran-backed groups whose support he needed to take power a year ago and now form a powerful bloc in his ruling coalition.

The drone attack follows a series of attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria since the Gaza war began. The US has recorded more than 100 such attacks since mid-October, often with rockets and drones.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last month accused Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba of being behind much of the attack. Mr. Austin warned that "the United States reserves the right to act in self-defense."

The US military responded by conducting airstrikes targeting areas used by Iran and pro-Tehran forces in Iraq and Syria, including Hashed positions.

The Iraqi government has condemned some of the attacks on US targets, but has also criticized Washington for deciding to respond arbitrarily. A Pentagon spokesman said Iraq remains an "important partner" and "our forces are there at the invitation of the Iraqi government to help train and advise" as part of the mission against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS).

"We will continue to consult closely with the Iraqi government regarding the safety and security of US forces," Ryder said.

The US has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of an international coalition against IS. After IS was defeated, the coalition said its role in Iraq was to advise and support local partners.

Huyen Le (According to AFP , Reuters )

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