Iraq's Hashd Shaabi blames Israel for drone attack

BAGHDAD

The Hashd al-Shaabi paramilitary force has blamed Israel for a drone attack targeting its fighters near Iraq's border with Syria.

The Shia group said one fighter was killed and another seriously wounded in a drone attack on Sunday, revising an earlier toll of two.

"As part of the string of Zionist attacks on Iraq, the evil Israeli crows have returned to target the Hashd al-Shaabi," the powerful group said in a statement.

It said the attack was carried out by two drones 15 kilometers away from the border.

"This blatant attack came with air cover over the area from American planes," the statement said.

There was no comment from Israel on the accusation.

Last month, two bases belonging to the Hashd al-Shaabi group were struck, causing explosions. No group has claimed responsibility.

And this month, a base near Baghdad was also hit with Iraqi officials hinting at Israeli role in the attack.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at Israel's involvement in the attacks against Iranian targets in Iraq.

Israel views Iraq as a potential growing base for Iran. Both Tel Aviv and Tehran are regional arch enemies.

Israel has carried out several airstrikes against Iranian targets in war-torn Syria, where Tehran is supporting the Bashar al-Assad regime.

* Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara