American forces on Tuesday (Jul&nbsp;30) executed a "defensive" air strike targeting combatants in Iraq who were allegedly attempting to launch drones perceived as a threat to US and allied troops, according to a US official.&nbsp;This marks the first such strike by US forces in Iraq since February.

"Tonight, US forces in Iraq conducted a defensive air strike," in Babylon province "targeting combatants attempting to launch one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems," stated the US defence official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

He said that the Central Command evaluated that the drones "posed a threat to US and coalition forces,"&nbsp;emphasising the inherent right to self-defence and the readiness to take appropriate action.

"We maintain the inherent right to self-defence and will not hesitate to take appropriate action."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-killed-in-tehran-irgc-confirms-fatal-attack-on-his-residence-745761">Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in a 'Zionist strike' in Tehran: IRGC confirms fatal attack</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:246,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1935}">Four killed in US strike</h2>

Iraqi sources reported that the strike resulted in at least four fatalities. The Hashed al-Shaabi, an alliance of pro-Iran former paramilitary groups now integrated into Iraq's security forces, mentioned missile strikes at a base in Babylon but did not speak about any attempt to launch drones.&nbsp;

Their statement said that available information suggests that "two patrols were targeted with missiles fired from drones."&nbsp;

An official of the alliance told the news agency that "four people were killed and others were critically wounded in blasts that hit a base belonging to the Hashed al-Shaabi." The death toll is expected to rise.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:441,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2130}">Recent attacks US in Iraq</h2>

This air strike follows two recent attacks on US and allied forces in Iraq.&nbsp;

Last week, several rockets targeted the Ain al-Assad base, which hosts coalition troops. Additionally, on July 16, two drones were launched towards the same facility. One of the drones was "successfully destroyed" while the other caused "minimal damage".

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:583,&quot;w&quot;:669,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2272}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-faud-shukr-the-hezbollah-senior-terrorist-israel-claims-to-have-eliminated-in-beirut-745752">Who is Faud Shukr? The Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel claims to have 'eliminated' in Beirut</a>

Before these two attacks, US troops in Iraq and Syria had not been targeted since April. However, during the initial months of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, they were targeted by over 175 attacks. These attacks were primarily claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Iran-backed groups expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

American forces on Tuesday (Jul 30) executed a "defensive" air strike targeting combatants in Iraq who were allegedly attempting to launch drones perceived as a threat to US and allied troops, according to a US official.

American forces on Tuesday (Jul 30) executed a "defensive" air strike targeting combatants in Iraq who were allegedly attempting to launch drones perceived as a threat to US and allied troops, according to a US official. This marks the first such strike by US forces in Iraq since February. "Tonight, US forces in Iraq conducted a defensive air strike," in Babylon province "targeting combatants attempting to launch one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems," stated the US defence official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity. He said that the Central Command evaluated that the drones "posed a threat to US and coalition forces," emphasising the inherent right to self-defence and the readiness to take appropriate action. "We maintain the inherent right to self-defence and will not hesitate to take appropriate action." Also read | Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in a 'Zionist strike' in Tehran: IRGC confirms fatal attack Four killed in US strike Iraqi sources reported that the strike resulted in at least four fatalities. The Hashed al-Shaabi, an alliance of pro-Iran former paramilitary groups now integrated into Iraq's security forces, mentioned missile strikes at a base in Babylon but did not speak about any attempt to launch drones. Their statement said that available information suggests that "two patrols were targeted with missiles fired from drones." An official of the alliance told the news agency that "four people were killed and others were critically wounded in blasts that hit a base belonging to the Hashed al-Shaabi." The death toll is expected to rise. Recent attacks US in Iraq This air strike follows two recent attacks on US and allied forces in Iraq. Last week, several rockets targeted the Ain al-Assad base, which hosts coalition troops. Additionally, on July 16, two drones were launched towards the same facility. One of the drones was "successfully destroyed" while the other caused "minimal damage". Also read | Who is Faud Shukr? The Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel claims to have 'eliminated' in Beirut Before these two attacks, US troops in Iraq and Syria had not been targeted since April. However, during the initial months of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, they were targeted by over 175 attacks. These attacks were primarily claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Iran-backed groups expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces conduct 'defensive' air strike in Iraq, four reported dead

Demonstrators chanting "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-ditches-iran-extends-tacit-support-to-us-over-airstrikes-for-resumption-in-military-cooperation-272236">no war on Iran</a>" rallied Saturday in Washington, New York and across the US to protest the assassination of a top Iranian military commander in a US drone strike.

Outside the White House, around 200 people gathered as part of a wave of rallies called by left-leaning organizations. They chanted slogans including "No Justice, No Peace, the US out of the Middle East."&nbsp;

Organizers said demonstrations were convened in some 70 US cities to denounce the killing of Major General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-challenges-vice-president-mike-pences-claims-of-soleimani-assisting-911-terrorists-272199">Qasem Soleimani</a> early Friday in Baghdad on orders from President Donald Trump. The attack has prompted fears of a major conflagration in the Middle East.

"We will not allow our country to be led into another reckless war," one speaker outside the White House said.

The protesters later headed toward the Trump International Hotel, which is just down the street from the presidential mansion.

"Need a distraction? Start of a war" read a sign held by Sam Crook, 66.

Trump faces a looming trial in the Senate following his impeachment by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-gives-lawmakers-formal-notice-of-iraq-strike-amid-complaints-from-democrats-272196">House of Representatives</a> in the Ukraine scandal.

Crook described himself as concerned.

"This country is in the grip of somebody who's mentally unstable, I mean Donald Trump, that is. He's not right in the head," Crook told media.

"He's crazy and has a childish reaction to everything. And I'm afraid he's going to inadvertently, he doesn't really want to, I think, but I think he could easily start some sort of a real conflagration in the Middle East," Crook added.

Shirin, a 31-year-old Iranian-American who would not give her last name, said she was worried about the possibility of war with Iran, which has vowed revenge for the death of Soleimani.

"We already spent trillions of dollars fighting unjust wars in Iraq and, you know, the longest war today in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-military-strikes-in-iraq-stir-regional-hornets-nest-271866">Afghanistan</a>. And what do we have to show for it?" she said.

She argued that the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq caused instability throughout the region and strengthened Iran, "which is now, you know, a major political, social and cultural force in Iraq."

At Times Square in New York, demonstrators marched with signs crying out against the prospect of war with Iran and calling for the withdrawal of the 5,000-odd US troops in Iraq.

"War is not a re-election strategy," read one sign-in that procession.

Demonstrators also marched in cities including Chicago and Los Angeles.&nbsp;

Demonstrators chanting "no war on Iran" rallied Saturday in Washington, New York and across the US to protest the assassination of a top Iranian military commander in a US drone strike.

Demonstrators chanting "no war on Iran" rallied Saturday in Washington, New York and across the US to protest the assassination of a top Iranian military commander in a US drone strike. Outside the White House, around 200 people gathered as part of a wave of rallies called by left-leaning organizations. They chanted slogans including "No Justice, No Peace, the US out of the Middle East." Organizers said demonstrations were convened in some 70 US cities to denounce the killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani early Friday in Baghdad on orders from President Donald Trump. The attack has prompted fears of a major conflagration in the Middle East. "We will not allow our country to be led into another reckless war," one speaker outside the White House said. The protesters later headed toward the Trump International Hotel, which is just down the street from the presidential mansion. "Need a distraction? Start of a war" read a sign held by Sam Crook, 66. Trump faces a looming trial in the Senate following his impeachment by the House of Representatives in the Ukraine scandal. Crook described himself as concerned. "This country is in the grip of somebody who's mentally unstable, I mean Donald Trump, that is. He's not right in the head," Crook told media. "He's crazy and has a childish reaction to everything. And I'm afraid he's going to inadvertently, he doesn't really want to, I think, but I think he could easily start some sort of a real conflagration in the Middle East," Crook added. Shirin, a 31-year-old Iranian-American who would not give her last name, said she was worried about the possibility of war with Iran, which has vowed revenge for the death of Soleimani. "We already spent trillions of dollars fighting unjust wars in Iraq and, you know, the longest war today in Afghanistan. And what do we have to show for it?" she said. She argued that the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq caused instability throughout the region and strengthened Iran, "which is now, you know, a major political, social and cultural force in Iraq." At Times Square in New York, demonstrators marched with signs crying out against the prospect of war with Iran and calling for the withdrawal of the 5,000-odd US troops in Iraq. "War is not a re-election strategy," read one sign-in that procession. Demonstrators also marched in cities including Chicago and Los Angeles.

Protesters in US march against prospect of war with Iran

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US forces conduct 'defensive' air strike in Iraq, four reported dead

Protesters in US march against prospect of war with Iran