The Iraqi government is blasting the United States after a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad killed a top commander in an Iran-backed militia. An Iraqi military spokesperson described Thursday’s attack as a dangerous escalation and an assault on Iraq. Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder claimed the U.S. was acting in self-defense.

Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder: “This individual was actively involved in planning and carrying out attacks against American personnel. And as we have long said, we maintain the inherent right of self-defense, and we’ll take necessary action to protect our personnel.”