Pro-Iran group in Iraq claims its leader killed in US strike

BAGHDAD

A leader of the pro-Iran Hashd al-Shaabi military force was killed in a US strike in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Thursday, the group confirmed.

The Iraqi Nujaba Movement, a faction of the Hashd al-Shaabi force, said in a statement that Abou Taqwa Al-Saidi was killed in the US attack.

It, however, did not provide any further details.

The Baghdad Ring Operations Command, which operates under the Hashd al-Shaabi, also confirmed Al-Saidi’s death in the US attack.

The Iraqi army early Thursday condemned a US-led coalition drone strike on an Iraqi security force in Baghdad as a “dangerous escalation.”

In a statement, military spokesman Yahya Rasoul said the US-led international coalition bears responsibility “for an unjustified attack on the security force.”

Later, the Pentagon confirmed the strike, saying it also left an associate of Al-Saidi dead.

"This individual (Al-Saidi) was actively involved in planning and carrying out attacks against American personnel. And as we've long said, we maintain the inherent right of self-defense and we'll take necessary action to protect our personnel," said Spokesman Pat Ryder at a press conference.

He also called Iraq "an important and valued partner," and the US will closely consult with the Iraqi government about the safety and security of its forces.

"In the meantime, we will continue to stay very focused on the Defeat ISIS (mission)," he added.