US airstrikes on Jurf Al-Sakhar, two reportedly killed

BAGHDAD, 24 January — RUNNING STORY

Update 01:22 am:

Tweet by centcom:

U.S. Forces Strike Kataib Hezbollah Capabilities in Iraq In response to attacks by the Iranian-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah (KH), including the attack on al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq on Jan. 20, on Jan. 24 at 12:15 a.m. (Iraq time), U.S. CENTCOM forces conducted unilateral airstrikes against three facilities used by Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia group and other Iran-affiliated groups in Iraq. These strikes targeted KH headquarters, storage, and training locations for rocket, missile, and one-way attack UAV capabilities.

01:09 am: Pro-militia media have reported that at least two individuals were killed in these strikes.

00:58 am: American warplanes are reported to have carried out strikes in the region, targeting Jurf al-Sakhar and other areas in Babil Governorate. A military college and an operations headquarters in Jurf al-Sakhar and also in Al-Qaim and Trebil were targetted. These strikes are described as the most intense among recent attacks. This information was circulated by pro-Iran militia media on their Telegram channels.

964media reporter in Babil is reporting ambulances heading to Jurf al-Sakhar after the air strikes.

Earlier, Ain Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq was targeted by a drone attack, which reportedly caused human and material losses. According to a statement from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, the attack, involving multiple drones, was executed in response to the actions of U.S. forces in the region and recent events in Gaza. The statement, quoting Quranic verses, emphasized their commitment to continuing their resistance against U.S. forces.

A source in the U.S. government confirmed to 964media that the incident occurred around midday U.S. time. The drone crashed inside the base near coalition forces, leading to a fire in one of the coalition buildings. The source also said that a statement about recent events will be issued soon.