The strike occurred in the Mashtal neighborhood, destroying a car in a busy area|@MahalaxmiRaman|X
The US military conducted a drone strike in Baghdad late Wednesday, targeting a high-ranking commander of the Kataib Hezbollah militia, suspected of being responsible for attacks on American troops in the region.
The strike occurred in the Mashtal neighborhood, destroying a car in a busy area. Initial reports from US officials claimed one casualty with no civilian harm. Iraqi sources reported three deaths, including the militia commander.
The Iraqi military labeled the act as a violation of sovereignty.
Escalating regional tensions and background
The strike follows recent US military retaliations in Iraq and Syria against Iran-backed militias for attacks on American forces.
The broader context involves ongoing conflict dynamics, including the Israel-Hamas war and airstrikes in Yemen.
The incident echoes past confrontations, such as the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Soleimani, fueling demands for US troop withdrawals.
In other news from the Israel-Hamas war
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected the idea of a ceasefire and pledged to continue the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Despite State Secretary Antony Blinken’s efforts to negotiate a humanitarian pause and release hostages, Netanyahu remained determined for what he termed a “complete victory” over Hamas.