Iraq

Russian officials, including President Putin, appear intent on pointing the finger at Kyiv and its powerful Western ally.

The police minister has been a private security contractor and worked in the Middle East.

‘We will not hesitate to hold responsible all those who threaten our forces’ safety,’ a statement from the US military read.

Washington’s UN envoy says actions against Iraqi, Syrian targets are ‘separate and distinct’ from joint operations against Yemen’s terrorist group.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry condemned the ‘American aggression that targeted Iraqi security forces as well as civilian sites.’

Attack comes days after wide-ranging US strikes on multiple targets in Iraq and Syria said to be linked to Iran-backed militia groups.

The US military struck 85 targets, marking the start of an ongoing campaign in response to an Iran-backed drone strike that killed 3 American soldiers.

Upcoming discussions come amid almost daily attacks on US forces deployed in Iraq and retaliatory strikes on local militia groups.

Military spokesman condemns ‘acts of aggression,’ says Baghdad will respond with the ‘necessary actions.’

Strikes said to focus on the radical group’s headquarters, storage, and training locations for rocket, missile, and one-way attack UAV capabilities.

Injuries to US and Iraqi personnel have been reported, including traumatic brain injuries.

A Pentagon spokesperson said there have been 83 attacks directed at U.S. troops in Syria and 57 attacks at U.S. troops in Iraq.

In response to Tehran’s strikes on Balochistan, Pakistan targets ‘terrorist hideouts’ said to be located in southeastern Iran.

‘No U.S. personnel or facilities were targeted.’ says NSC spokesperson.

Anti-U.S. militias aim to provoke a response, diverting attention from Israel–Hamas conflict while avoiding a full-out war, says counterterrorism expert.

Meanwhile, in Tehran, Shiite preacher cites past claims by Trump that Obama and Clinton ‘founded ISIS.’