The United States conducted a drone strike in Iraq, targeting a senior commander with the Iran-backed militia group Kata’ib Hezbollah. The strike, which took place in eastern Baghdad, resulted in the death of the militia commander, identified as Abu Bakr al-Saadi, along with two other Kata’ib Hezbollah officials. The US central command (CENTCOM) stated that the commander was allegedly involved in planning attacks on American bases overseas. According to US media reports, the strike occurred without any civilian casualties or collateral damage.
This attack marks the latest US military action against Iran-backed militia groups and the first strike in Iraq since the US targeted over 85 locations in Iraq and Syria in response to the deaths of three American troops in Jordan in late January. The Biden administration attributed the attack to Iranian proxies. Last week’s strikes targeted Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iranian-backed militia groups. Despite these actions, the Iranian proxies have continued to launch attacks on American and allied bases in the region.
The US officially holds the Islamic Resistance in Iraq responsible for the deadly attack in Jordan. However, the Pentagon suggested that Kata’ib Hezbollah could have been behind the attack, with evidence of the militia group’s involvement. Reports claim that Kata’ib Hezbollah temporarily suspended military operations against American forces in Iraq after the Jordan attack to avoid embarrassing the Iraqi government, but this information lacks verification.
The US has consistently conducted strikes in Iraq, which have drawn condemnation, while ongoing discussions between the Iraqi government and the US focus on the future presence of American military forces in the country. In early January, the US also killed a senior leader of another Iranian-backed militia group separate from Kata’ib Hezbollah. Iranian-backed groups have targeted US troops more than 160 times since October 17, across Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. The militia groups claim that these attacks are in response to American support for Israel during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
As tensions between the US and Iran-backed militia groups persist, the US remains committed to protecting its forces and will not hesitate to respond to any threat they face. The recent strike serves as a reminder of this commitment and the US’s determination to hold accountable those who endanger American forces’ safety. The ongoing conflict underscores the complex dynamics in the region and the challenges faced by the US in maintaining stability while addressing threats from Iran’s proxies.
Overall, this drone strike demonstrates the US’s proactive stance in countering Iran-backed militia groups and its commitment to safeguarding its military personnel and assets. While the situation remains fragile, the US is resolute in taking necessary action to protect its people and maintain regional security.
