US drone strike kills Iran-backed militia leader in Baghdad

A senior commander of an Iran-backed militia has died in a US drone strike in Baghdad. The targeted strike, which took place in the eastern part of the Iraqi capital, resulted in the death of the leader of Kataib Hezbollah – Abu Baqir al-Saadi – and two of his guards.

According to the Pentagon, the commander played a key role in orchestrating attacks on American forces in the region. This move by the US follows a recent drone attack in Jordan, which claimed the lives of three US troops, an incident that the US has linked to the militia.

In response to mounting tensions, Kataib Hezbollah had announced a temporary halt to attacks on American troops after the Jordan incident to avoid causing further strain on the Iraqi government.

The drone strike occurred on Wednesday night in Baghdad’s Mashtal neighbourhood, causing several loud explosions. The precise targeting of a moving vehicle in a busy street resulted in the complete destruction of the car, leaving it engulfed in flames.