In a dramatic turn of events, a drone strike in Baghdad on Thursday resulted in the death of a senior figure in an Iran-linked militant group, along with two others. The strike drew sharp criticism from the Iraqi government as well as allied groups, who blamed the United States for the attack. The Iraqi government spokesperson issued an angry statement, condemning the strike as a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty and security of Iraq" and likened it to a terrorist act.

Although the United States did not immediately acknowledge responsibility for the strike, a Pentagon official confirmed the U.S. strike, stating that it was carried out to protect American forces in Iraq and Syria from the threats they faced. The attack targeted the logistics headquarters for the 12th brigade of the group known as Harakat al-Nujaba, resulting in the killing of a brigade commander, Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi, and at least one other individual. Harakat al-Nujaba is closely linked to Iran and was designated as a global terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department in 2019. However, it remains part of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, a security organization that operates within the country's broader security forces.

This strike is seen as a response to the more than 70 attacks by Iranian-backed armed groups in Iraq against U.S. bases and camps in recent weeks. The U.S. military has previously responded to these attacks, targeting another Iraqi militia linked to Iran, Kataib Hezbollah, among others. However, the United States has generally avoided striking targets within Baghdad due to its high population density.

The Nujaba group, which was targeted in this strike, has not only been active in Iraq but has also attempted to aid Hamas in its fight against Israel. The group claimed responsibility for a drone strike in November that hit a school in the southern Israeli city of Eilat. As a result, Hamas released a statement condemning the attack on the Nujaba fighters.

The killing of the operatives has led to calls from Iraqi political parties with links to Iran for the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Iraq. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 U.S. forces stationed in Iraq, primarily in bases located far from population centers.

The airstrike has sparked a wave of condemnation and tensions in the region. Iraq's Prime Minister described the attack as a dangerous escalation and a violation of the country's sovereignty. Iraq's foreign ministry also issued a statement asserting its right to take measures to protect its land and security forces. Local Iraqi militia commander Abu Aqeel al Moussawi vowed retaliation, stating that they would make the Americans regret carrying out this aggression.

This strike comes on the heels of two explosions in Iran near the tomb of former high-ranking general Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in a U.S. airstrike in 2020. The explosions resulted in the death of 95 people. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iranian state media reported that investigators believed it was carried out by suicide bombers.

The region has been experiencing heightened tensions, with Hamas's deputy leader, Saleh al Arouri, dying in an explosion in Beirut just two days prior. Hamas blamed Israel for the attack, although Israel has not confirmed its involvement.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has also fueled the attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. These militias have carried out more than 100 attacks on bases housing U.S. troops, citing retaliation for Washington's support of Israel in the war against Hamas.

The United States maintains a significant presence in the region, with 900 troops deployed in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq to prevent the resurgence of Islamic State militants. The recent drone strike in Baghdad is likely to further escalate tensions and raise concerns about the stability of the region.