BAGHDAD: US forces carried out a “defensive” air strike on combatants who were allegedly attempting to launch drones that were deemed a threat to American and allied troops, a US official said.

Iraq condemned the air strike, describing it as a “heinous crime” that could have “dangerous” consequences amid ongoing talks on the future of the US-led coalition in the country.

The strike — which Iraqi sources said left at least four people dead — was the first by American forces in Iraq since February, when the US military said it killed a pro-Iran commander who was involved in attacks on the country’s troops.

“Tonight, US forces in Iraq conducted a defensive air strike” in Babylon province “targeting combatants attempting to launch one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems”, the US defence official said.

Central Command says drones targeted Hashed Al Shaabi — an alliance of pro-Iran former paramilitary groups

The official added that the Central Command assessed that the drones “posed a threat to US and coalition forces”. “We maintain the inherent right to self-defence and will not hesitate to take appropriate action,” the official added.

The Hashed Al Shaabi — an alliance of pro-Iran former paramilitary groups that have been integrated into Iraq’s security forces — said apparent missile strikes fired from drones hit two Hashed patrols in Babylon province. An official from the alliance said that “four people were killed and others were critically wounded”. A security source confirmed the toll.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2024