Iran-backed group Kataib Hezbollah has announced the suspension of its military operations against US troops in Iraq. The decision was made to prevent any embarrassment to the Iraqi government, according to a statement released by the group. This comes after three US troops were killed in a drone attack near the Jordan-Syria border, an attack that the Pentagon believes bears the “footprints” of Kataib Hezbollah. However, a final assessment has not yet been made. Kataib Hezbollah, founded after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, is one of the most powerful armed factions in Iraq and has close ties to Iran. It is part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of hardline Shi’ite armed groups responsible for over 150 attacks on US forces since the Gaza war began. While Iraq’s government is supported by parties and militias with ties to Iran, it is not directly backed by the hardline groups involved in the attacks. The US has vowed to defend its troops, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stating that necessary actions will be taken, while also emphasizing that the Biden administration does not seek a war with Iran.
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Iran-supported group halts attacks on US forces in Iraq.
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