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Iraq Coalition Says Israeli Strikes Are 'Declaration of War'

Associated Press

   BAGHDAD - A powerful bloc in Iraq's parliament is calling for the
   withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq following a series of airstrikes
   blamed on Israel targeting Iran-backed Shiite militias in the country.

   The Fatah Coalition said on Monday it holds the United States fully
   responsible for this Israeli aggression, "which we consider to be a
   declaration of war on Iraq and its people."

   The coalition is a parliament bloc representing Iran-backed
   paramilitary militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces.
   The coalition's statement came shortly after a drone strike in the
   western Iraqi town of al-Qaim killed a commander with the forces, the
   latest in strikes apparently conducted by Israel against the
   Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

   The statement adds that U.S. troops are no longer needed in Iraq.

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