Reuters: Eight Militants Linked to the Islamic Republic Killed in U.S. Airstrike in Iraq

American and Iraqi sources told Reuters that U.S. fighter jets targeted two sites in southern Iraq's capital in retaliation for over 60 attacks by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) against American forces. Eight PMF militants were killed in these strikes. The Iraqi government on Wednesday, December 1, strongly criticized the U.S. bombing of positions held by the Iran-backed PMF in southern Baghdad, stating that the U.S. air operations were conducted without consulting Baghdad. Basim al-Awadi, the Iraqi government spokesman, said on Wednesday that the attacks carried out two days prior were done 'without the knowledge of Iraqi government agencies' and deemed it an 'unacceptable violation of Iraq's sovereignty.' He also criticized the Iranian proxy groups that have repeatedly attacked Iraqi bases used by U.S.-led coalition forces. Mr. al-Awadi stated, 'Any armed action or activity outside the Iraqi military institution is condemned and illegal, jeopardizing the national interests of the country.' The U.S. Central Command announced on Tuesday via X that 'the U.S. military conducted precise and calculated strikes against two military positions in Iraq,' adding, 'These strikes were a direct response to attacks by Iran and Iran-backed groups against U.S. and coalition forces.' Militants from the group known as 'Kata'ib Hezbollah,' which is part of the PMF in Iraq, reported that eight militants were killed in these strikes. Previously, U.S. forces had targeted their positions in Syria in response to attacks by Iranian proxy groups. According to U.S. Department of Defense officials, since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, American forces stationed in Iraq and Syria have been targeted at least 66 times, with the latest incident occurring on Monday night, November 20. General Pat Ryder, Pentagon spokesman, confirmed the Tuesday night attack on Tehran-backed militants using ballistic missiles near the 'Ain al-Asad' airbase in Iraq, stating that eight were injured and minor damage was inflicted on the base's infrastructure. The Ain al-Asad base is located in the Anbar province west of Baghdad and is home to U.S. forces and the international coalition led by the U.S. fighting against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq. Nearly 2,500 American soldiers are in Iraq, and 900 are in Syria as part of efforts to prevent the resurgence of this terrorist group. Comments by Mohammad Qaeidi, an international relations lecturer, on the activities of Iranian proxy groups. Elm Saleh, an associate professor of international studies: Iranian proxy groups have different tasks and structures. Report by Soran Khatri on the attacks by Iranian proxy militants on U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria. Hossein Aryan: Proxy groups use public places for their protection, but Israel's response is not proportional to the October 7 attack. Continuation of attacks by Iranian proxy militants on U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria. News image; U.S. attack on positions of Iranian proxy forces in Syria; Sunday, November 13.