Iraqi government slams US strikes on Iraqi territory as act of aggression, confirms 16 deaths

The Iraqi authorities have called the US air strikes on the country's border areas, which killed 16 people, a violation of sovereignty and an act of aggression.

"The US administration has committed a new act of aggression against Iraq and violated its sovereignty, as the bombing targeted the locations of our security forces in the regions of Akashat and al-Qaim, as well as neighboring settlements where civilians live," Iraqi government spokesman Basem al-Awadi said in a statement, adding that the international coalition, "has deviated from its duties and the mandate given to it.".

The Iraqi authorities have confirmed the deaths of 16 people as a result of strikes carried out by the US Air Force in the country’s border areas on Saturday.

"This blatant aggression resulted in the death of 16 people, including civilians, and another 25 were injured," Iraqi government spokesman Basem al-Awadi said in a statement.