Hezbollah: Iraqi cmdr. assassination in line with ongoing US aggression

Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has strongly condemned the US's assassination of a commander of an Iraqi anti-terror resistance group, noting that the targeted killing falls within Washington’s ongoing aggression and criminal practices across the region.

Hezbollah announced in a Thursday statement that the deadly aerial assault against Wissam Muhammad Saber, also known as Abu Baqer al-Saadi, and his companions is in continuation of the United States’ "previous crimes and relentless atrocities against Iraqi, Syrian and Yemeni nations."

Saadi, the commander in charge of Kata’ib Hezbollah’s operations in Syria, was martyred on Wednesday night after a US drone strike hit a moving vehicle east of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Two other Kata’ib Hezbollah officials also lost their lives in the attack.

The Lebanese movement added that the attack also constituted a "flagrant violation" of Iraq’s sovereignty, security, and stability.

“The Axis of Resistance has complete confidence in Iraqi fighters, who are utterly determined to tread the path of resistance and continue their staunch support for oppressed Palestinian people," it said, adding, "This heinous assassination will certainly fortify their resolve to stay on the path."

Hezbollah also extended its deepest condolences to the Iraqi Kata’ib Hezbollah and wished patience and fortitude for the families and relatives of the fallen resistance fighters.

A funeral procession for al-Saadi is scheduled to be held on Friday in Najaf.

In a statement, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi extended congratulations and condolences to Saadi’s family and comrades as well as the entire Muslim Ummah over the commander’s martyrdom.

The assassination of Saadi “calls us to remain steadfast and keep a fighting spirit,” he noted.

For its part, the Iraqi government denounced the US assassination drone strike in Baghdad, saying the United States-led military coalition in the country is becoming a “factor for instability”.

Army spokesperson Yahya Rasool said on Thursday that repeated attacks by the US in Iraq are pushing the government to end the Western alliance’s mission.

Anti-US sentiments have been growing in the region over Washington’s unconditional support for Israel’s atrocious onslaught against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

SS