USA confirmed this Thursday that its forces were behind the attack that was launched today against a headquarters of the pro-Iranian militia group Popular Crowdin the east of Baghdadwho killed among others the commander nicknamed Abu Taqua.
The spokesperson of PentagonBrigadier General Pat Rydernoted in a press conference that the decision was made “in self defense” and that no civilians were injured, nor any infrastructure.
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Mushtaq Talib al Saidiknown as Abu Taquawas the commander of the 12th Brigade of the pro-Iranian movement Al Nujabawhich operates under the umbrella of the Popular Crowdand was “actively involved in planning and executing attacks against US personnel“, said.
“US forces took necessary and proportionate action. It is important to note that the attack was carried out in self-defense and that no civilians were injured. No infrastructure or facilities were affected“added the spokesperson.
A source from the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior told EFE that the attack also killed Abu Taqua’s right-hand man, as well as another member of the group, but the brigadier general only confirmed the death of a second person.
“This was a self-defense attack because this particular individual was involved in planning and executing attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syriawhich by definition is a threat that implies acting as self-defense“said Ryder in reference to Abu Taqua.
The Iraqi Army had blamed the Washington-led coalition this Thursday for attacking the headquarters of one of the Popular Multitude militias in eastern Iraq. Baghdad with a drone
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Al Nujaba is also part of the so-called Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which has launched attacks against targets with a US presence in the Arab country and in Syria since the war broke out in Looplast October 7for the support “unwavering” from Washington to Israel.
Several of the groups that make up the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have condemned the attack and have demanded that the Iraqi Government expel US troops from the country, precisely the objective they intend to achieve by launching actions against US positions in middle East.
“As we have long said, we reserve our inherent right to self-defense and will take whatever steps are necessary to protect our personnel.“, concluded the Pentagon spokesperson, pointing out that his country is not seeking to increase tension in the region but is not going to allow its forces to be threatened either.
