US Airstrike in Baghdad Targets Militia Leader Responsible for Attacks on US Forces

Retaliatory Airstrike

The U.S. conducted an airstrike in Baghdad on Wednesday, targeting a senior leader of an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq. This leader is responsible for carrying out attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East. The strike was part of the retaliatory actions authorized by President Joe Biden following the deadly attack on a U.S. base in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers.

The statement from U.S. Central Command confirmed that the strike took place at 9:30 p.m. on February 7. It specifically targeted a commander of Kataib Hezbollah, a Iran-backed militia, who was directly involved in planning and executing attacks on U.S. forces. The statement emphasized that there were no reports of collateral damage or civilian casualties at the time of the strike.

The United States remains committed to taking necessary action to protect their people, and they will not hesitate to hold responsible anyone who poses a threat to the safety of their forces.

Response to Prior Attack

The U.S. had previously experienced a deadly attack on a base in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three American soldiers. This attack prompted President Biden to authorize retaliatory actions. National security adviser Jake Sullivan stated that there would be more U.S. response to the attack, some of which would be visible to the public while others would be discreet.

Kataib Hezbollah, the targeted militia, has been blamed by the U.S. for numerous attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. This Shiite militia group joined forces with the Iraqi government in fighting against the Islamic State and became part of Iraq's military structure as the Popular Mobilization Forces.

The killing of a senior leader of Kataib Hezbollah, along with two others, was confirmed by the organization itself. This strike is seen as part of the ongoing response by the U.S. to the attack on the base in Jordan.

Tensions and Precautions

In anticipation of possible retaliation against U.S. facilities in Iraq, entrances to the secure area known as the Green Zone were being closed. The Green Zone, located in the center of Baghdad, houses important Iraqi government buildings as well as the U.S. embassy. Iraq's military responded to an incident targeting a civilian vehicle in the Al-Mashal area, and an investigation is underway to determine the method and source of the attack.

The situation is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The U.S. remains vigilant in safeguarding their interests and protecting their forces in the region.