In response to an imminent threat, the United States carried out a self-defense airstrike near Kirkuk, Iraq, resulting in the death of five Iraqi fighters.
The militants were reportedly preparing to launch explosive shells at US forces, according to a statement from a U.S. military official. This action was confirmed by three sources within the Iraqi security services and reported by Reuters.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a significant coalition of several Iraqi armed groups closely affiliated with Tehran, acknowledged the death of five of its members in the strike. This group has been responsible for multiple attacks against U.S. troops throughout Sunday.
Earlier on the same day, U.S. and international forces stationed in the Rumalin landing zone in northeast Syria were targeted by several missiles.
However, this attack did not result in any casualties or damage to infrastructure, as stated by a U.S. military official.
These recent attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East have escalated since October 17, attributed to Iraqi armed groups.
These groups have openly declared their opposition to Washington's support for Israel, claiming responsibility for more than 70 attacks against U.S. forces.
The U.S. Department of Defense has outlined four primary lines of effort in the Middle East, indicating a strategic approach to the region's complex geopolitical landscape. This latest airstrike in Iraq is a part of the ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East, which recently experienced missile and drone attacks on November 24.
