Claims of US-led Coalition Strike on Iran-Aligned Paramilitary Group in Baghdad

The recent drone strike in Baghdad targeting an Iran-aligned paramilitary group has raised accusations against the United States-led international coalition forces. The strike, which took place on Thursday, focused on the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi. Among those killed was senior PMF commander, Hajj Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi (Abu Taqwa). While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, reports suggest that four PMF members were killed, and six others were wounded.

Iraq’s government swiftly reacted to the incident, attributing responsibility to the international coalition forces. In a statement, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office deemed the strike a “dangerous escalation and aggression,” holding the coalition forces accountable. Meanwhile, footage aired on Iraq’s Al-Nujaba TV, closely associated with the PMF, showcased the aftermath of the strike at the group’s headquarters.

The timing of this attack coincides with heightened tensions in the region following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas. In recent weeks, a group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, backed by Iran, has conducted over 100 attacks on US troop bases in Iraq and Syria. The group claims these actions are retaliatory measures against Washington’s support of Israel in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, which has resulted in a significant number of casualties in Gaza.

Notably, the US has not yet responded to these allegations or provided any statement regarding the incident. However, US forces in Iraq and neighboring Syria have experienced an increase in attacks since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

Concerns regarding the escalation of the situation have grown, particularly following the recent drone strike in Beirut that killed Saleh al-Arouri, a deputy leader of Hamas. As an ally of Iran, this incident raises apprehension about potential further destabilization in the region.

The security presence around the strike site on Palestine Street in Baghdad has been tightened, hindering access for journalists attempting to cover the event. With tensions high and ongoing conflicts influencing actions and reactions, the situation in the region remains precarious as various actors navigate through complex dynamics.

FAQ:

Q: What was the recent drone strike in Baghdad targeting?
A: The recent drone strike in Baghdad targeted the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi.

Q: Who was killed in the drone strike?
A: Among those killed was senior PMF commander, Hajj Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi (Abu Taqwa).

Q: How many casualties were there in the strike?
A: The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but reports suggest that four PMF members were killed and six others were wounded.

Q: Who is being held responsible for the strike?
A: Iraq’s government has attributed responsibility to the United States-led international coalition forces.

Q: What is the context of this attack?
A: The attack coincides with heightened tensions in the region following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas. A group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, backed by Iran, has conducted over 100 attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria in recent weeks.

Q: Has the US responded to the allegations?
A: As of now, the US has not yet responded to these allegations or provided any statement regarding the incident.

Key Terms/Jargon:

1. Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF): Also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, it is an Iran-aligned paramilitary group operating in Iraq.

2. Hashd al-Shaabi: Another name for the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an Iran-aligned paramilitary group in Iraq.

3. Islamic Resistance in Iraq: A group backed by Iran that has conducted over 100 attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria, claiming to be retaliatory measures against US support of Israel.

4. Hamas: A Palestinian political and military organization that controls the Gaza Strip and is engaged in an armed conflict with Israel.

5. United States-led international coalition forces: The coalition forces led by the United States that have been involved in military operations in Iraq and Syria.

Related Links:
1. U.S. Department of State – Countries & Areas
2. United Nations
3. U.S. Department of Defense