U.S. Drone Strike Kills Three Members of Kataib Hezbollah Militia in Baghdad
Late Wednesday, the United States carried out a drone strike in Baghdad that resulted in the deaths of three members of the powerful Kataib Hezbollah militia. Among the casualties was a high-ranking commander who was allegedly connected to a drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last month. The strike was conducted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces in response to the previous drone attack on American troops.
The targeted strike took place in Baghdad’s Mashtal neighborhood, on a main thoroughfare. According to sources, the strike was aimed at a “high-value individual target.” The U.S. military has identified one of those killed as Wissam Mohammed “Abu Bakr” al-Saadi, who was believed to be in charge of Kataib Hezbollah’s operations in Syria.
CENTCOM has stated that there were no indications of collateral damage or civilian casualties resulting from the strike. In a statement, CENTCOM emphasized the United States’ commitment to protecting its people and holding accountable those who pose a threat to the safety of U.S. forces.
This drone strike comes just days after the U.S. military launched an air assault on multiple sites in Iraq and Syria controlled by Iranian-backed militias. The air assault was carried out in retaliation for the drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan on January 28. The U.S. has attributed this attack to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias, with suspicions pointing towards Kataib Hezbollah as the leading force behind it.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has frequently claimed responsibility for strikes on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. These attacks are seen as retaliation for U.S. support of Israel during its offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
Following the strike in Jordan, Kataib Hezbollah had announced a suspension of attacks on American troops to avoid embarrassing the Iraqi government. However, it appears that not all members of the militia are adhering to this decision, as some have vowed to continue fighting.
The recent drone strike in Baghdad is another example of the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran-backed militias in the region. The U.S. has made it clear that it will take necessary action to protect its forces and hold accountable those who threaten their safety.
In conclusion, the U.S. drone strike in Baghdad resulted in the deaths of three members of Kataib Hezbollah, including a high-ranking commander. This strike was carried out in response to a previous drone attack on U.S. troops in Jordan. The U.S. military has been conducting operations against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, and tensions remain high in the region. The situation underscores the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran-backed groups, with both sides vowing to protect their interests and hold responsible those who pose a threat.