An explosive device targeted a logistical convoy of the US coalition in Al-Musayyib, in the Iraqi province of Babel, Sunday February 7, 2021
A logistical convoy carrying supplies for the US-led coalition in Iraq has been hit in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack by about 80 km south of Baghdad, Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television channel reports, citing sources "close to the Iraqi resistance forces."
The explosive device reportedly blew up on a road in the area of al-Musayyib, a Shia-majority town which witnessed heavy fighting between US forces and local militias in the aftermath of the 2003 US invasion.
Al-Alam News Network, an Arabic news channel broadcasting from Iran, says Iraqi security sources have confirmed that the attack took place Saturday evening.
There are no immediate reports of any damage to the convoy, or of injuries or fatalities. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
US forces in Iraq have offered no word as to whether any attack took place.
The Biden administration has been pressured to reverse course on Trump's move to dramatically reduce US troop numbers in multiple theatres, recently scrapping plans to withdraw NATO forces completely from Afghanistan by May 2021, and announcing a "force posture review" of the "US military footprint, resources, strategy, and missions" worldwide.
Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing defence officials, that the Biden administration might halt plans for future troop reductions in conflict zones amid concerns that the remaining numbers may be insufficient to engage in "counter-terrorism" operations or train local forces. Officially, the Pentagon says the administration has not yet made up its mind on its posture in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
US forces in Iraq have been dogged by Iraqi militias for over a year now in the aftermath of the January 2020 assassination of Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian anti-terror commander who cooperated closely with pro-Baghdad Shia militias in the war against the Daesh (ISIS)* "caliphate" between 2014 and 2017. The killing prompted Iraq's parliament to demand the immediate withdrawal of all US forces, and saw US troops and bases targeted in rocket and IED attacks. According to local media, some 20 convoys have been struck in the past two months alone, with attacks reported in Basra, outside Baghdad, and other areas.
* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.
Quite predictable and unfortunate.
Removing Trump by fraud certainly benefits those in the shadows directing US policy. Another coincidence!