Strike kills Iraqi government-linked fighter, wounds six

A missile strike in northern Iraq has resulted in the death of one member of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and injuries to six others, according to Iraqi security and medical sources reported by AFP. The attack occurred when two missiles hit a base near Kirkuk airport. The responsibility for the strike remains unclear, although American or Israeli forces have been implicated in recent similar attacks. The PMF, which is formally integrated into Iraq’s armed forces, has accused the United States and Israel of carrying out the strike, describing it as a "treacherous Zionist-American" attack. The incident is part of a broader context in which Iraq is becoming increasingly involved in regional conflicts, particularly those linked to US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Armed groups in Iraq have been targeting US sites, and PMF positions have also faced attacks. In response to the escalating violence, Baghdad and Washington have stated their intention to "intensify cooperation" to prevent further assaults. In a related incident, a drone crashed at the Majnoon oil field, but authorities reported that it did not detonate and caused no damage or injuries. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and security challenges in the region, particularly concerning the activities of armed groups and foreign military involvement.