In a targeted drone strike conducted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces on February 7 at 9:30 p.m. Baghdad time, a senior leader of Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) was killed in Iraq.
The strike was a unilateral action by the United States in response to recent attacks on U.S. service members in the region.
The strike resulted in the death of a Kata’ib Hezbollah commander directly responsible for planning and participating in attacks against U.S. forces in the region.
CENTCOM stated that there were no indications of collateral damage or civilian casualties resulting from the operation.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the United States conducting strikes on pro-Iran groups in Iraq and Syria, in addition to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Kata’ib Hezbollah is a U.S.-designated anti-American Shiite militia operating primarily in Iraq, with ancillary operations in Syria. The group gained notoriety during the U.S.-led war in Iraq for its use of deadly roadside bombs targeting U.S. and coalition forces.
The recent drone strike follows a series of events that escalated tensions in the region. On January 28, suspected Iran-backed militants launched a drone strike on the Tower 22 U.S. outpost in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. soldiers and numerous injuries. The United States attributed the attack to radical Iran-backed militant groups, including Kata’ib Hezbollah.
Following the attack, Kata’ib Hezbollah announced a suspension of military and security operations against U.S. forces to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government. However, the group vowed to continue supporting its allies in Gaza through alternative means.
President Joe Biden confirmed Iran’s role in the attack on January 31, further exacerbating tensions in the region. In response to ongoing threats against U.S. forces, the United States remains committed to taking necessary actions to protect its personnel and hold accountable those who pose a threat to their safety.
As discussions continue between the United States and Iraq regarding the future of the U.S.-led troop presence in the region, tensions remain high. The United States maintains a significant military presence in both Iraq and Syria as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State group.
The death of the Kata’ib Hezbollah senior leader marks a significant development in U.S. efforts to counter threats posed by Iran-backed militias in the region. CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding U.S. forces and holding accountable those who seek to harm them.