Iraqi militia claims drone strike targeting US troops in Baghdad

An Iraqi Shiite militia on Monday claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting US troops stationed at Baghdad International Airport, escalating retaliatory actions following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The group, Saraya Awliya Al-Dam, is among several Shiite militias that emerged in Iraq after the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

There was no immediate comment from US or Iraqi authorities on the claim.

The alleged attack comes amid widening regional tensions, as Iran-backed militias — including Lebanon’s Hezbollah — have joined the conflict triggered by a US- and Israeli-led air campaign against Iran’s ruling establishment.