At least three people, including two leaders of the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades, were killed today, Wednesday, in a drone strike that targeted a vehicle in Baghdad. Reports indicate that among the dead were popular mobilization leader Abu Baqir Al-Saadi and Arkan Al-Ulaywi. A fire broke out in a vehicle belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces in Baghdad after it was hit by three missiles from a drone—Video.
According to CBS News citing a senior U.S. official: "The United States carried out a drone strike on a senior leader of the Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq." The Security Media Cell announced that an investigation has begun into the incident that targeted a civilian vehicle in the Al-Mustal area in eastern Baghdad.
The Cell stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "a specialized technical team from the security forces began investigating the incident that targeted a civilian vehicle in the Al-Mustal area in eastern Baghdad at 21:35 today, February 7, 2024." It added, "This targeting resulted in the vehicle burning and the martyrdom of those inside it, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the method and source of the attack."
Following the attack in Al-Mustal, roads leading to Al-Mustal, Awrah, Al-Bulayat, and some neighborhoods in Al-Shaab were closed amidst a significant security and military presence, along with heavy drone surveillance in the skies of Baghdad.
The U.S. Central Command announced that it conducted a strike that resulted in the death of a leader in the Popular Mobilization Forces. According to two security sources reported to Reuters, Abu Baqir Al-Saadi, a prominent leader in the Iran-backed Hezbollah Brigades, was killed in a drone attack on a vehicle in eastern Baghdad this Wednesday evening.
The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) states that the Hezbollah Brigades are linked to an attack that led to the deaths of three American soldiers. One of the sources mentioned that three people were killed, and the targeted vehicle was being used by Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, which is an official security body consisting of dozens of armed groups, many of which have close ties to Iran.
An Iraqi special forces unit is on high alert today in Baghdad, with additional units deployed inside the Green Zone, where international diplomatic missions, including the U.S. embassy, are located.
Who is "Abu Baqir Al-Saadi"?
- He is the head of the missile system within the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades.
- A pillar of resistance in Iraq.
- Al-Saadi was an active resistant with extensive connections in the Islamic resistance in Iraq.
Who is "Arkan Al-Ulaywi"?
- A leader in the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades.
- Responsible for the information system of the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades.
A drone targeted a vehicle in the Al-Mustal area east of the Iraqi capital, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Another source reported that the vehicle targeted was used by the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, which comprises several armed groups with many having strong ties to Iran.
Iraq has been witnessing reciprocal attacks between Iranian-backed armed groups and U.S. forces stationed in the country since the outbreak of the Gaza War on October 7.
