In a recent incident, the United States-led international coalition forces have been accused by Iraq’s government of carrying out a drone strike in the capital city of Baghdad. The strike was reportedly aimed at an Iran-aligned paramilitary group known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), also referred to as Hashd al-Shaabi. Among those killed in the attack was Hajj Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi (Abu Taqwa), a senior commander of the PMF. While the exact number of casualties is yet to be determined, Reuters news agency reported that four PMF members lost their lives and six others were wounded.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office issued a statement holding the forces of the international coalition responsible for the attack. The government described it as a “dangerous escalation and aggression.” Iraq’s Al-Nujaba TV, which is considered close to the PMF, released footage showing the impact of the strike on the group’s headquarters. The incident has occurred amidst escalating tensions in the region due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, triggered by an attack by the Palestinian armed group on October 7.
As of now, there has been no immediate comment from US officials regarding the attack. However, it is worth noting that US forces in Iraq and neighboring Syria have faced an increase in attacks since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. There has been a significant security presence around the strike site on Baghdad’s Palestine Street, with reports of journalists being denied access to the area.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, a coalition of Iranian-backed armed organizations, known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, has carried out over 100 attacks on bases housing US troops in Iraq and Syria. The group claims that these attacks are in response to Washington’s support of Israel in the conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 22,000 people in Gaza. Their objective is to push US forces out of Iraq.
This recent strike follows retaliatory air raids conducted by the US in Iraq last month after an attack by Iran-aligned fighters using drones left three individuals wounded, including one critically injured US service member. Additionally, just two days prior to this incident, Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri, who is an ally of Iran, was killed in a drone strike in Beirut. These developments raise concerns about further escalation and destabilization in the region.
It is important to note that the information provided is based on available reports, and there has been no confirmation or response from US officials at this time. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as investigations continue.
