U.S. 'defensive' strike kills four in Iraq

Iraq condemns U.S. air strike as "heinous crime" amid ongoing talks on future of anti-jihadist coalition in country.

U.S. forces carried out a "defensive" air strike on combatants who were attempting to launch drones that were deemed a threat to American and allied troops, a U.S. official said.

Iraq condemned the air strike, describing it as a "heinous crime" that could have "dangerous" consequences amid ongoing talks on the future of the U.S.-led anti-jihadist coalition in the country.

The strike -- which Iraqi sources said left at least four people dead -- was the first by American forces in Iraq since February, when the U.S. military said it killed a pro-Iran commander who was involved in attacks on the country's troops.

"Tonight, U.S. forces in Iraq conducted a defensive air strike" in Babylon province "targeting combatants attempting to launch one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems", the U.S. defence official said on condition of anonymity.

The official added that the Central Command assessed that the drones "posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces".

"We maintain the inherent right to self-defence and will not hesitate to take appropriate action," the official added.

The Hashed al-Shaabi -- an alliance of pro-Iran former paramilitary groups that have been integrated into Iraq's security forces -- said apparent missile strikes fired from drones hit two Hashed patrols in Babylon province.