Iraqi official accuses US of violating international law and lying about airstrike circumstances

A spokesperson for the Iraqi government accused the U.S. of violating international law and lying about the circumstances regarding its retaliatory airstrikes over an attack in Jordan.

The spokesperson, Bassem Al-Awadi, stated in a social media post on Saturday that the strikes launched by the U.S. killed 16 people and injured 25.

U.S. forces on Friday conducted strikes against Iranian-backed militant forces in Syria and Iraq in retaliation for a drone strike on Sunday that killed three U.S. soldiers and injured dozens of others, including at least one who is in critical condition.

“U.S. military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to include long-range bombers flown from the United States,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement. “The airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions.”

Al-Awadi alleged that the U.S. “deliberately deceived and falsified the facts, by announcing prior coordination to commit this aggression, which is a false claim aimed at misleading international public opinion and disavowing legal responsibility for this rejected crime in accordance with all international laws," according to The Hill.

“This aggressive strike will put security in Iraq and the region on the brink of the abyss, and it also contradicts efforts to establish the required stability,” he continued.

"Iraq reiterates its refusal to let its lands be an arena for settling scores, and all parties must realize this. Our country’s land and sovereignty are not the appropriate place to send messages and show force between opponents," Al-Awadi wrote. 

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that the strikes were an attempt to reduce capabilities, while also sending a message to Iran to stop attacking the U.S. 

He added that the U.S. is not looking for war with Iran.