Iraq Slams US Over Strike Killing Pro-Iran Commander

Iraq has criticized a U.S. airstrike that resulted in the death of a high-ranking member of Kataeb Hezbollah, a group aligned with Iran and accused of attacking American forces. This strike, occurring in a Baghdad residential area, is part of a series of U.S. actions targeting Iran-affiliated groups following the death of three American troops in Jordan on January 28.

The U.S. Central Command stated the operation was a direct response to attacks on its service members, emphasizing its commitment to protecting U.S. personnel. The Iraqi government, however, has condemned the attack, viewing it as an overreach by the international coalition present in Iraq since 2014 to combat ISIS, now causing instability in the country.

Kataeb Hezbollah has paused its assaults on U.S. forces since the Jordan incident but confirmed the death of commander Abu Baqr al-Saadi, who was involved in military operations in Syria. The Hashed al-Shaabi, an umbrella group of pro-Iran militias integrated into Iraq’s security forces, also acknowledged Saadi’s death.

The airstrike, executed by a drone, killed two leaders of Kataeb Hezbollah and their driver. It has sparked significant backlash in Iraq, with accusations of violating Iraqi sovereignty and exacerbating tensions. Promises of retaliation and demands for a firm stance from the Iraqi government against these actions have been voiced by various groups.

This incident is part of a broader escalation of hostilities in the region, linked to the conflict in Gaza and perceived U.S. support for Israel. The United States classifies Kataeb Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.

In response to these dynamics, discussions about the future presence of U.S.-led forces in Iraq and Syria are ongoing, with Iraq requesting a withdrawal timetable. The U.S. maintains a troop presence in both countries as part of the fight against ISIS, with forces in Iraq at Baghdad’s invitation and in Syria in areas not under Syrian government control.