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Iraqi Militia Claims Strikes on US Bases, Cites Revenge for Khamenei Killing

An Iraqi Shiite militia group, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, has claimed responsibility for attacks on American installations in Erbil and Baghdad, stating it is retaliation for the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader. The claim coincides with the confirmed crash of a US KC-135 refueling aircraft in western Iraq, which killed all six crew members. US Central Command states the crash was not due to hostile fire, but Iranian state media claims the plane was shot down by "resistance groups." The conflicting narratives highlight the tense and volatile security situation in the region.

Key Points: Iraqi Militia Claims Attacks on US Bases in Retaliation

  • Militia claims retaliation for Ayatollah's killing
  • Strikes targeted US sites in Erbil and Baghdad
  • US confirms fatal crash of KC-135 aircraft
  • Iran claims plane was shot down by "resistance groups"
3 min read

Iraqi Shiite militia Saraya Awliya al-Dam claims strikes on US bases in Erbil and Baghdad; cites retaliation for Khamenei's killing

Saraya Awliya al-Dam claims strikes on US sites in Erbil & Baghdad, citing revenge for Ayatollah Khamenei, as US confirms fatal KC-135 crash.

"the air defence systems of the Resistance Front succeeded in targeting the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker - IRGC statement via Press TV"

Baghdad, March 15

The Saraya Awliya al-Dam group has claimed responsibility for a series of strikes targeting American installations in Iraq, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday.

Operating in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003 that ousted Saddam Hussein, Saraya Awliya al-Dam is among several Shiite militia groups active in the region.

The group stated that it carried out the attacks in response to the US and Israel's killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the deaths of its fighters.

According to the group, the offensive involved strikes on multiple locations, Al Jazeera noted. The attacks included a US site in the northern city of Erbil and at the Victoria Base at the Baghdad airport, it added.

These claims of regional aggression coincide with a confirmed military tragedy. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday confirmed that all six crew members aboard the US KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 have died.

According to a statement by the US CENTCOM, the aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury. The command noted that the names of the deceased service members will be withheld until at least 24 hours after their families have been notified.

While the circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation, officials confirmed that the incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.

"The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during Operation Epic Fury. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," the statement read.

Earlier on Thursday, the US CENTCOM confirmed the loss of the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft while it was supporting military operations.

According to a release, CENTCOM stated that the incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury, the US-led operation against the Iranian regime to dismantle the security apparatus and prioritise locations that pose an imminent threat.

The release clarified the scope of the incident, stating: "Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely." The command reiterated that "this was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire."

However, Iran's state media has presented a conflicting narrative regarding the aircraft's downing. Citing the spokesman for the Central Headquarters of Iran's Military, state reports claimed that the US military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in Western Iraq.

The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six of the service members on board had been killed.

The Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) supported this claim in a separate statement. As reported by Press TV, the IRGC said that the air defence systems of the Resistance Front succeeded in targeting the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker while it was refuelling an aggressor fighter jet.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The conflicting narratives from US CENTCOM and Iranian state media are concerning. It shows how truth is the first casualty in these geopolitical tensions. My heart goes out to the families of the six crew members who lost their lives. Such a tragic loss, regardless of the cause.
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Rohit P
As an Indian, I see this as a reminder of why we must be fiercely independent in our foreign policy. Getting entangled in other nations' conflicts serves no purpose. Our focus should be on development and securing our own borders. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Priya S
The article mentions the group has been active since 2003. Twenty years of instability... when will it end? So many innocent people in Iraq have suffered for decades. It's a sobering lesson on the long-term consequences of regime change wars.
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Aman W
With respect, I think the Indian media should be more critical in its reporting. This article just presents claims from both sides. We need more analysis on how this affects India specifically - oil prices, our projects in the region, and the safety of Indian workers there.
K
Kavya N
Very troubling news. The Middle East is like a powder keg. India has done well to maintain good relations with all sides. We must continue this balanced approach and offer our support for peace talks. Violence only begets more violence.

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