Airstrikes Hit Iraqi Forces’ Positions in Babil, Casualties Reported

By Staff, Agencies

Several Iraqi forces were targeted in airstrikes against the positions of the Arab country’s military units in Jurf al-Sakhar, Babil province, local sources and media reports said.

At least four explosions were heard on Monday night in Jurf al-Sakhar region, according to local sources.

The attacks were apparently launched by F-16 warplanes and drones, and have killed nine Iraqi military forces so far, sources close to the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units [PMU], better known as Hashd al-Sha’abi, said.

Beirut-based Al Mayadeen TV channel said American warplanes were flying over the al-Qaem area near the Iraqi-Syrian border following the attacks.

While several PMU units – especially those of Kata’ib Hezbollah – used to be stationed in the region, some Iraqi sources suggested that the airstrikes have targeted the Arab country’s army personnel.

Despite speculations about the US role in the airstrikes, a senior US military official claimed in an interview with Fox News that there were no US airstrikes near Baghdad tonight.