The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that that a MQ-9 Reaper “engaged five militants preparing to launch a one-way attack drone… killing all five militants and destroying the drone” on December 3 near Kirkuk, Iraq.
The statement went on to add that “The United States will continue to defend U.S. and coalition personnel from attacks.”
On December 3, near Kirkuk, Iraq, forces assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) engaged five militants preparing to launch a one-way attack drone. CJTF-OIR forces responded in self-defense with an armed U.S. unmanned aerial system, killing… pic.twitter.com/nOmojqxQbN
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 4, 2023
On December 3, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization of Iran-backed Shia militias, confirmed the death of five of its fighters, which came as the group ramped up attacks against American forces in the region following the ceasefire lapse in Gaza.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for dozens of rocket and drone strikes against American forces in Iraq and Syria since October 17. This marks the fourth strike against militia elements by the United States.
