Iraq Shi'ites hold funeral procession for fighter killed in air raid near Syrian border

Record ID: 1428712

  • Title: Iraq Shi'ites hold funeral procession for fighter killed in air raid near Syrian border
  • Date: 26th August 2019
  • Summary: FUNERAL PROCESSION AND MOURNERS STEPPING ON THE AMERICAN FLAG
  • Embargoed: 9th September 2019 09:04
  • Keywords: Air strikes Iraqi Shi'ite paramilitary groups Syrian border Popular Mobilisation Forces
  • Location: BAGHDAD, IRAQ
  • City: BAGHDAD, IRAQ
  • Country: Iraq
  • Topics: Conflicts/War/Peace
  • Reuters ID: LVA005ATUUKAV
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Iraqi Shi'ites held a funeral procession on Monday (August 26) for one of their fighters who was killed in raids by unmanned aircraft near the Syrian border.
    The coffin of one fighter, who was named locally as Abu Ali al-Dabi, was carried through Baghdad's Ur neighbourhood by Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) fighters.
    On Sunday (August 25), Iraqi Shi'ite paramilitary groups blamed Israel for the strikes.
    The strikes took place 15 km (9 miles) away from the border, said a statement from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a state umbrella grouping of mostly Iran-backed Shi'ite Muslim factions.
    It said one fighter was killed and another seriously wounded.
    The PMF said two unmanned aircraft had carried out the attack. It accused the United States of providing air support to Israel for the strikes.
    A security source told Reuters there were two air strikes, one of which struck the headquarters of a local paramilitary brigade, while the other struck a convoy of cars leaving the building.
    In Jerusalem, an Israeli military spokeswoman declined to comment.
    The attack, which took place in the afternoon, happened after a series of explosions in recent weeks at weapons depots belonging to Iran-backed PMF groups.
    The militias have blamed Israel and the United States for some of the attacks. The Pentagon has denied any involvement.
    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted on Thursday of possible Israeli involvement in the recent destruction of PMF weapons depots in Iraq.
    (Production: Maher Nazeh, Mohammed Katfan)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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