The strike resulted in the death of one Iraqi serviceman and left 18 others injured, according to local sources. The Iraqi government asserts that the attack has strained relations between the two countries.

The US airstrikes were ordered by President Joe Biden in retaliation for a drone attack in northern Iraq that injured three US servicemembers. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan alerted President Biden shortly after the drone attack on Monday, prompting the President to direct the Pentagon and top national security officials to prepare response options.

The US strikes took place at approximately 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday in Iraq, less than 13 hours after the initial attack on American personnel. According to US Central Command, the retaliatory strikes targeted three sites, "destroyed the targeted facilities and likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants."

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the complex dynamics between the US and Iraq, as well as the broader implications of retaliatory actions in response to attacks on American forces. The Baghdad government's condemnation signals potential diplomatic fallout as both nations navigate the aftermath of the military engagement. (ILKHA)