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U.S. Airstrike in Central Baghdad Targets Iran-backed Militia Commander, Escalating Regional Tensions

BAGHDAD — In a recent turn of events, a significant U.S. airstrike was conducted on the headquarters of an Iran-backed militia located in central Baghdad, resulting in the demise of a highly-ranked militia commander. The strike, which occurred on Thursday, has further exacerbated the mounting regional tensions, fueled by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, raising concerns about its potential spillover into surrounding countries. Coincidentally, this incident coincides with the Iraqi government’s persistent push for U.S.-led coalition forces to withdraw from the country.

The Popular Mobilization Force (PMF), a coalition of militias nominally under the control of the Iraqi military, released a statement confirming the loss of their deputy head of operations in Baghdad, identified as Abu Taqwa. This unfortunate event was attributed to what they described as “brutal American aggression.”

An anonymous U.S. defense official confirmed the details of the strike, stating that Abu Taqwa was specifically targeted due to his active involvement in carrying out attacks against U.S. personnel. Abu Taqwa was a prominent leader within the Harakat al-Nujaba group, one of the militias operating under the PMF, which was designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2019.

Yehia Rasool, the Iraqi military spokesman, expressed their condemnation of the “unprovoked attack on an Iraqi security body operating in accordance with the powers granted to it by” the Iraqi military, squarely blaming the U.S.-led International Coalition Forces.

The U.S.-Led Coalition’s Primary Mission and Transition

The primary mission of the U.S.-led coalition has been to combat the Islamic State (IS), a Sunni extremist militant group that, despite losing control over significant territorial holdings in 2017, continues to carry out periodic attacks in Iraq. Over time, the coalition has shifted its role from combat to advisory and training missions.

During the fight against IS, the PMF, a group of primarily Shiite militias backed by Iran, played a vital role. Although the PMF is officially under the command of the Iraqi army, it effectively operates independently. The PMF’s contributions were instrumental in countering the significant territorial gains made by IS after its invasion of Iraq in 2014.

Details of the Strike and Casualties

Thursday’s airstrike resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left five others wounded, as reported by two anonymous militia officials. These officials were not authorized to speak publicly and revealed that the strike occurred when both Abu Taqwa and another militia official were driving into the garage of the Harakat al-Nujaba militia’s headquarters.

Following the strike, a heavy deployment of security forces was observed in the vicinity of the targeted area on Palestine Street in Baghdad. Furthermore, Iraqi warplanes were seen patrolling the skies overhead. Eventually, an Associated Press photographer gained access to the scene and witnessed the remnants of a charred car.

Escalation of Attacks by Iranian-backed Militias

Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, a group of Iranian-backed militias known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has intensified its attacks on bases housing U.S. troops in both Iraq and Syria. These attacks, exceeding 100 incidents in number, are being carried out in retaliation for what the group perceives as Washington’s support of Israel in the ongoing conflict against Hamas.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq aims to exert pressure on the U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq and has cited the war’s high casualty count, with over 20,000 people losing their lives in Gaza. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who enjoys support from Iran-linked political factions while maintaining a desire for good relations with the U.S., recently stated that his government is taking steps towards ending the presence of international coalition forces.

Contributions to this article were made by Ali Jabar, Tara Copp, Bassem Mroue, and Melanie Lidman of The Associated Press.

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