US Strikes in Iraq Condemned by Iraqi Government
The Iraqi government has condemned the recent US strikes on targets south of Baghdad, stating that they were not coordinated with Iraqi authorities and therefore a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. In addition, the government claims that these strikes also go against the mission of the international coalition to fight Daesh.
The US fighter jets carried out the strikes in retaliation for repeated attacks on American troops by pro-Iran fighters. According to US and Iraqi sources, eight pro-Iran fighters were killed in the strikes. Two US defense officials revealed that these attacks on US bases included the first use of a short-range ballistic missile against US troops, which occurred on Tuesday.
The specific targets of the US strikes were the Kataib Hezbollah operations center and a Kataib Hezbollah Command and Control node near Al-Anbar and Jurf Al-Saqr, south of Baghdad. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that there were Kataib Hezbollah personnel present at both sites during the strikes, but they could not confirm whether anyone was killed.
These strikes by the US followed an immediate retaliatory strike by an AC-130 gunship. The gunship was in the air when Iranian-backed militants fired two short-range ballistic missiles at Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq. The gunship was able to locate the origin of the missiles and fired on several militants who had fled in a vehicle.
US officials have emphasized that these strikes are not meant to escalate tensions or seek wider conflict with Iran. Instead, they are intended to send a clear message that the Iran-backed attacks against American forces must stop. The US has stated that it will take further action if necessary.
Since October 17th, US bases in Iraq and Syria have been targeted 66 times. These attacks have been ongoing and have posed a significant threat to American troops stationed in the region. The US has made it clear that it will not tolerate these attacks and will take necessary measures to protect its forces.
The situation in Iraq remains tense as tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate. The US has accused Iran of supporting and arming various militia groups in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah, which has been responsible for numerous attacks on American troops. The US has repeatedly called on the Iraqi government to rein in these militia groups and prevent them from carrying out attacks.
The Iraqi government, on the other hand, has struggled to balance its relationship with both the US and Iran. Iraq shares a long border with Iran and has deep economic and cultural ties with its neighbor. However, it also relies on the US for security assistance and support in its fight against Daesh.
The recent US strikes have further complicated the situation for the Iraqi government. While it condemns the violation of its sovereignty, it also faces pressure from the US to take action against the Iran-backed militia groups. Finding a solution that satisfies both sides will be a difficult task for the Iraqi government.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and seek diplomatic solutions. The US and Iran must find a way to de-escalate tensions and address their grievances through dialogue rather than military action. The Iraqi government, meanwhile, should work towards strengthening its security forces and taking decisive action against militia groups that threaten the stability of the country.
In conclusion, the recent US strikes in Iraq have been condemned by the Iraqi government as a violation of its sovereignty. The US has justified these strikes as a response to repeated attacks on American troops by pro-Iran fighters. The situation in Iraq remains tense as both the US and Iran continue to escalate tensions. It is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and seek peaceful resolutions to avoid further escalation of the conflict.