US drone crashes norrth of Baghdad amid allegations of militant attack
An American drone met with an untimely demise north of Baghdad, according to a statement from a US defense official. The incident occurred near Balad airbase, Iraq, and was promptly reported to the press. The defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, refrained from specifying the type of drone that succumbed to the crash.
Iraqi security forces swiftly retrieved the downed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and fortunately, no injuries were reported. An immediate investigation into the crash’s cause has been initiated, with authorities diligently examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This incident takes a contentious turn as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Iran-linked armed groups opposing US support for Israel, claimed responsibility for firing on the drone. The group asserted that the targeted drone was an MQ-9, a versatile UAV capable of both surveillance and strikes, operating over Iraqi airspace the day before.
Over the past few months, the region has witnessed heightened tensions, with US and allied forces facing approximately 140 attacks since mid-October, many attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. In response, Washington has conducted retaliatory strikes in both Iraq and Syria.
The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by the recent killing of a pro-Iran commander in a US strike in central Baghdad on January 4. This action, claimed to be in response to attacks on American troops, elicited strong reactions from the Iraqi government. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, supported by Tehran-aligned parties, has called for the departure of the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group from the country.
Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder addressed the situation, stating that Washington remains committed to close consultation with Iraqi authorities. As of now, there is no official request from the Iraqi government for the withdrawal of US forces, despite growing tensions. The United States currently maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the anti-IS coalition.
