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

American forces on Tuesday (Jul30) 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."

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".

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)