LIVE UPDATES
A US strike in Baghdad on Thursday claimed the life of a pro-Iran military commander, as confirmed by the Pentagon. Al-Hashed al-Shaabi ex-paramilitaries reported that the strike targeted one of their headquarters, sparking reactions from Iraqi authorities who labeled it a "blatant aggression."
The drone strike, according to an Iraqi security official, resulted in two fatalities and seven injuries. The Iraqi government swiftly denounced the incident, characterizing it as a clear act of aggression. In response, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder defended the action, asserting that it was a necessary measure taken in self-defence against a commander actively planning attacks targeting US personnel.
Ryder emphasized key details surrounding the strike, stating, "It is important to note that the strike was taken in self-defence, that no civilians were harmed and that no infrastructure or facilities were struck." The Pentagon's insistence on the defensive nature of the operation underscores the intricacies of the ongoing tensions in the region.
The incident highlights the delicate balance of power and the volatile environment in the Middle East, where geopolitical interests often intersect with regional dynamics. As the situation unfolds, attention will be closely focused on responses from both Iran and Iraq, with potential ramifications for broader security in the region. The US, through its actions, further entrenches itself in the complex web of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
