In a strong statement, Iraq expressed its condemnation of the recent US airstrikes conducted on Iraqi territory. The Iraqi government labeled these airstrikes as a "hostile act" and a clear violation of the country's sovereignty.
On Monday, the United States forces executed strikes, specifically targeting Iran-backed militias in Iraq. This action was taken in direct response to a drone attack that occurred earlier on the same day, resulting in injuries to three US service members.
Iraq Condemns US Airstrikes in Baghdad
Fighters of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces - PMF) paramilitaries ride in vehicles moving in a convoy during the funeral of Hassan Hammadi al-Amiri, a fallen member of the group Kataeb Hezbollah, one of the factions of the PMF, in Baghdad on December 26, 2023, after he was killed earlier in a US airstrike. US air strikes targeting a pro-Iranian group in Iraq on December 26 claimed at least one life, drawing an angry response from Baghdad as regional tensions spike amid the Israel-Hamas war. The United States has repeatedly targeted sites used by Iran and its proxy forces in Iraq and Syria in response to dozens of attacks on American and allied forces in the region since the October 7 outbreak of the war.
Iraq has reported that the United States' strikes have resulted in the unfortunate demise of one of its security forces. Furthermore, news reports indicate that these strikes have also caused injuries to a total of 18 individuals, including civilians.
In a government statement, the US strikes were described as "an unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty," according to the government. The attacks carried out by armed groups on US-led coalition advisers are considered hostile acts and are in direct violation of Iraqi sovereignty. This position has faced criticism from Kataib Hezbollah.
In a stern warning, Abu Ali al-Askari, a security official representing the faction, cautioned individuals of all ranks, from the highest echelons to the lowest, against challenging their patience. A US military official has reported that a substantial number of rockets were launched towards Al-Shaddadi, a Syrian patrol base where US and allied forces are stationed.
This incident occurred on Tuesday morning, adding to the escalating tensions in the region. According to an official, there were no reports of damage or casualties. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed that the US strikes conducted on Monday specifically targeted three locations that were being utilized by Kataib Hezbollah and its associated groups.
In a significant development, the United States has officially designated Kataib Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Precision strikes have been carried out in direct response to a string of attacks targeting US personnel in Iraq and Syria.
These attacks were orchestrated by Iranian-sponsored militias, with one such assault occurring today by Iran-affiliated Kataib Hezbollah and its associated groups on Irbil Air Base. The primary objective of these strikes is to disrupt and weaken the capabilities of the Iran-aligned militia groups that bear direct responsibility for these acts of aggression.
According to Adrienne Watson, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, Kataib Hezbollah, a faction of Iran-backed militants operating under an umbrella group, has taken responsibility for the attack that occurred on Monday. Watson also mentioned that one of the US service members sustained critical injuries.
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US Aims to Combat Islamic State Group in Iraq, Syria
US and coalition forces have been actively engaged in the region as they carry out their mission to combat the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Israeli forces have faced numerous attacks from Iranian-backed proxies, with approximately 100 incidents occurring since Israel initiated its offensive against the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
According to the US military, they have reported that they successfully disrupted the majority of the attacks, or that the attacks failed to hit their intended targets, resulting in no damage. Several incidents, including Monday's, have resulted in injuries to US military personnel.
In a series of retaliatory strikes, previous targets have included Kataib Hezbollah and various other groups. Notably, the United States conducted strikes in November as part of these actions, Mail Online reported.
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