Baghdad: US Strike Kills Iran-Backed Militia Leader

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PUBLISHED Feb 08, 2024UPDATED Feb 08

Photo: Alex Wong/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

The Pentagon stated on Wednesday that a top commander of the Iran-backed militant group Kataib Hezbollah were killed after his car was hit by a US drone strike in eastern Baghdad.
According to the Pentagon, the dead militia commander was the mastermind behind the attack in Jordan last month, which killed three American service members. Wednesday's strike comes as leaders of Iranian-sponsored militias have reportedly conducted at least 168 attacks against American forces in the area.

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The message from Washington is clear: if US forces are attacked, it will do everything it takes to protect its troops and interests. The US has no intention of backing down when challenged, and those responsible will be held accountable with a multi-tiered response.

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Establishment-critical narrative

While Iraq may have previously supported the presence of US troops in the fight against the Islamic State, America's broadening regional conflicts have now caused more death and destruction in the country than there otherwise would be. It's time for the US to remove its 2.5k troops from Iraq.

Iraq restates call for removal of US troops following assassination of militia leader

Middle East EyeFeb 08