The US carried out an airstrike in self-defense in Iraq on July 30, US officials said. Police and medical sources in Iraq said the airstrike targeted a base south of Baghdad of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), killing four members of the group and wounding four others.
In a statement released after the airstrike, the PMF did not accuse any party of being responsible.
Several US officials said the US carried out the airstrike in Musayib, Babil province, but did not provide further details about the location. The airstrike targeted militia groups that the US believes were planning drone attacks and threatening US and coalition forces.
The officials did not comment on casualties.
“This decision underscores the U.S. government ’s commitment to the safety and security of our nation’s forces,” an official said.
Multiple missiles were launched at Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base where US-led forces are stationed this week, according to Iraqi and US sources, but there were no reports of damage or casualties. US officials said none of the missiles successfully hit the air base.
The July 30 decision was the first US-led airstrike since February this year, targeting 85 targets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran-backed militia groups.
The 150,000-strong Popular Mobilization Forces are a coalition of state-sanctioned paramilitary organizations, largely comprised of combat-hardened militias loyal to Iran and closely aligned with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iraq has seen a steady escalation of tit-for-tat attacks since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Iraqi sources said the country has asked troops from the US-led coalition to begin withdrawing from the country in September and to end its operations there by September 2025. Some US forces may remain in Iraq in a new advisory role.
However, this request from Iraq is at odds with the goals of the parties. With the majority of Iraqi factions aligned with Iran wanting to push back the US military forces that once occupied the country, while US officials are on the contrary, not wanting Iran and its allies to achieve victory.
Nguyen Quang Minh (according to Reuters)
Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/my-khong-kich-du-doi-tai-iraq-giua-luc-cang-thang-khu-vuc-tang-cao-204240731094659578.htm
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