This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-50941693

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
US strikes militia bases in Iraq and Syria US strikes militia bases in Iraq and Syria
(about 1 hour later)
The US has conducted strikes against militia bases in Iraq and Syria following the death of a US contractor.The US has conducted strikes against militia bases in Iraq and Syria following the death of a US contractor.
The US confirmed the strikes targeted weapon storage facilities along with command and control locations belonging to Kataib Hezbollah.The US confirmed the strikes targeted weapon storage facilities along with command and control locations belonging to Kataib Hezbollah.
It is considered a terrorist organisation by the US.It is considered a terrorist organisation by the US.
One contractor was killed, several US troops and Iraqi personnel were wounded in a rocket attack on a base in Kirkuk on 27 December.One contractor was killed, several US troops and Iraqi personnel were wounded in a rocket attack on a base in Kirkuk on 27 December.
The strikes in Iraq were close to the western Qaim district, close to the border with Syria, according to Reuters news agency. Sunday's strikes in Iraq were close to the western Qaim district, close to the border with Syria, according to Reuters news agency.
Iraqi security and militia sources told Reuters news agency at least 18 militia fighters were killed and more than 50 wounded following three strikes in the country.
Who are Kataib Hezbollah?Who are Kataib Hezbollah?
Kataib Hezbollah - a Shia Muslim militia group that is backed by Iran - was founded in 2007.Kataib Hezbollah - a Shia Muslim militia group that is backed by Iran - was founded in 2007.
The US says Kataib Hezbollah has a strong link with Iran's Quds Force and has repeatedly received aid and support from Iran that it has used to attack coalition forces.The US says Kataib Hezbollah has a strong link with Iran's Quds Force and has repeatedly received aid and support from Iran that it has used to attack coalition forces.
The Trump administration has alleged that the Quds Force is "Iran's primary mechanism for cultivating and supporting" US-designated terrorist groups across the Middle East - including Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and Palestinian Islamic Jihad - by providing funding, training, weapons and equipment.The Trump administration has alleged that the Quds Force is "Iran's primary mechanism for cultivating and supporting" US-designated terrorist groups across the Middle East - including Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and Palestinian Islamic Jihad - by providing funding, training, weapons and equipment.
What is Iran suspected of doing in Iraq?What is Iran suspected of doing in Iraq?
Iran's influence over Iraq's internal affairs has grown steadily since the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.Iran's influence over Iraq's internal affairs has grown steadily since the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.
It has close links to Shia politicians who are part of the ruling elite, and has backed the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation force, which is dominated by Shia militias.It has close links to Shia politicians who are part of the ruling elite, and has backed the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation force, which is dominated by Shia militias.
Protesters in Iraq have accused Iran of complicity in Iraq's failure and corruption.Protesters in Iraq have accused Iran of complicity in Iraq's failure and corruption.
They have set fire to a number of Iranian consulate buildings in the country during the recent wave of protests.They have set fire to a number of Iranian consulate buildings in the country during the recent wave of protests.
Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iranian-backed forces for a series of attacks in Iraq.Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iranian-backed forces for a series of attacks in Iraq.
He warned Iran that any attacks by the country or its proxies that harmed the US or allies would be "answered with a decisive US response".He warned Iran that any attacks by the country or its proxies that harmed the US or allies would be "answered with a decisive US response".