"Baghdad Drone Strike Escalates Tensions in Middle East"

The Iraqi military criticized the US as a "factor for instability" and called for the removal of American troops from the country following a drone strike in Baghdad that killed a senior militia commander. The strike, part of President Biden's retaliatory actions, prompted Iraqi officials to accuse the US of jeopardizing civil peace, violating Iraqi sovereignty, and disregarding the safety of citizens. US officials defended the strike, stating it targeted a Kata'ib Hezbollah commander responsible for planning and participating in attacks on US forces. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Iran and its proxies for escalating violence in the region and emphasized the need to defend American interests while promoting peace and stability.