Iraqi PM, PMF blame US-led coalition for attack that killed commander
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Early Thursday the assistant commander of the Baghdad Ring operations in the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Hajj Moshtaq Taleb Al-Saidi (Abou Taqwa) was martyred in a strike in eastern Baghdad.
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Members of the PMF stand outside the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Force after it was hit by an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) on Thursday accused the US-led international coalition of carrying out the fatal strike on the headquarters of the PMF in eastern Baghdad calling it "akin to terrorist activities."
According to a U.S. official who spoke to Reuters, the US military was the perpetrator of the attack that killed the assistant commander of the Baghdad Ring operations in the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Hajj Moshtaq Taleb Al-Saidi (Abou Taqwa).
According to the Iraqi Prime Minister's office, the international coalition led by the United States bears the responsibility for the "unjustified" attack on an Iraqi security unit on Thursday.
"The attack is a dangerous escalation and a violation of Iraq's sovereignty," the office stated.
Meanwhile, The military spokesperson for the Iraqi Prime Minister stated, "The Iraqi armed forces hold the international coalition forces responsible for this unjustified attack on an Iraqi security entity." He was alluding to Thursday's strike.
According to the U.S. official, the strike was carried out to kill the PMF official when it struck the vehicle.
PMF officer assassinated by the US
Earlier on Thursday, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Iraq reported that the assistant commander of the Baghdad Ring operations in the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Hajj Moshtaq Taleb Al-Saidi (Abou Taqwa) was martyred in a US airstrike that targeted the headquarters of the PMF in eastern Baghdad.
One other person was killed in the strike, and six were injured.
During the attack, a drone launched four rockets from a drone, three of which were launched simultaneously, while the fourth struck Al-Saidi's car.
Our correspondent said it was not clear as of yet whether the US or "Israel" was behind the attack.
Spokesperson for the Iraqi armed forces, Commander-in-Chief, Maj. Gen. Yehia Rasool, was quoted by Shafaq News saying "The Iraqi Armed Forces hold the Global Coalition Forces responsible for this unwarranted attack on an Iraqi security entity that is operating within the powers authorized by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces."
Rasool added that the attack is considered a "dangerous escalation and assault on Iraq," as well as an act akin to "terrorist activities."
This comes in the context of the persistent attacks by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq against US occupation bases in Iraq and Syria as part of their commitment to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza who face a genocidal war sponsored by the US.
On Wednesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq declared that it successfully targeted the US al-Tanf base in Syria using a drone.
The group also took responsibility for firing a salvo of rockets at the al-Shaddadi base, affirming their commitment to continuously target the strongholds of US forces.
