Iraqi police uncover failed Iranian cruise missile following US airstrike
In the aftermath of a US airstrike targeting a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) security site in eastern Baghdad, resulting in the death of Al-Nujaba movement commanders, the US Central Command revealed on Friday that Iraqi police in Babylon found an Iranian-designed land-attack cruise missile on January 3. The missile, intended for launch, was unsuccessful.
Expressing concern over the use of Iranian-supplied munitions by terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria, the US Central Command emphasized the endangerment of Coalition forces and local residents. Acknowledging the efforts of Iraqi security forces, the Coalition appreciated their commitment to preventing future attacks.
On a diplomatic front, the Iraqi government, reiterating its stance on the withdrawal of international coalition forces, announced the formation of a committee to plan the exit of the foreign coalition, led by the United States. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani mentioned that the government is determining the committee’s formation date for a permanent withdrawal.
This development follows recent counterattacks by the United States in Iraq, responding to an insurgent drone strike affiliated with Iran, causing injuries to US servicemen. Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October, Iraq and Syria have witnessed over 100 attacks on US and international coalition forces, predominantly involving missiles and one-way attack drones.
