The US has reportedly carried out a drone strike on the base of an Iranian-backed militia in central Baghdad, killing a militia leader it blames for recent attacks on American personnel.
The airstrike targeted the group Harakat al Nujaba – an Iraqi militia allied with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon – killing one of its leaders and one of his aides, according to a US official speaking to the Reuters news agency.
Police and security sources in Iraq told the AP news agency the strike was carried out with a drone which fired two rockets at a building, used by a militia group, killing a total of four and wounding six others.
Officials with the US military and embassy in Baghdad did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
However one American official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to Reuters the strike was carried out by the US.
Iraq’s prime minister described the attack as a dangerous escalation and a violation of his country’s sovereignty.
Members of an Iraqi armed group sit in a vehicle after the drone strike
Meanwhile, in a statement, Iraq’s foreign ministry said: “Iraq reserves its right to take a firm stance and take all measures that deter anyone who tries to harm its land and security forces.”
Abu Aqeel al Moussawi, a local Iraqi militia commander, vowed “retaliation”, adding: “We will make the Americans regret carrying out this aggression.”
Read more from Sky News:
Hezbollah leader condemns killing of Hamas deputy leader
How Iran attack is creating greater instability at dangerous time
It comes a day after 95 people were killed in two explosions in Iran near the tomb of former high-ranking general, Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in a US airstrike in 2020.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place as people gathered at his tomb to mark the fourth anniversary of his death.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Iranian state media reported on Thursday that investigators believed it was carried out by “suicide bombers”, though it did not specify who it thought was responsible.
On Wednesday, Washington said the blasts appeared to be the type of “terrorist attack” carried out by Islamic State – and added it had no reason to believe Israel was behind the attack.