US Conducts Strike, Kills Hezbollah Commander in Iraq

The United States has confirmed conducting a targeted strike on Iraqi soil, resulting in the death of a senior commander from the Shiite group "Kataib Hezbollah." The strike, carried out in response to attacks on US military personnel in the region, occurred at 21:30 local time, according to a statement released by the US Armed Forces Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media.

The slain commander, identified as Abu Bakr' al-Saadi according to Reuters sources, was responsible for orchestrating and executing direct attacks against US forces in the Middle East. The strike reportedly targeted a vehicle in eastern Baghdad, resulting in three casualties, including the commander.

While no civilian casualties were reported, the attack signifies heightened tensions between the US and pro-Iranian Shiite groups operating in Iraq. Kataib Hezbollah, part of the Iraqi People's Mobilization Forces, had previously been linked to attacks against US service members, including a drone strike in January that claimed three lives.