The US on Wednesday blamed the attack that killed three US service members in Jordan on a pro-Iranian insurgent movement that operates in Iraq.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq had already claimed Sunday's attack but the US had not confirmed its role in the drone strike that also wounded about 40 US troops.
“We believe that the attack in Jordan was a plan resourced and facilitated by an umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which contains multiple groups including Kataib Hezbollah,” said John Kirby, White House National Security Council spokesman.
Kataib Hezbollah, a militia group that started as a small coalition of Iran-backed radicals during the chaotic years of the US occupation, has evolved into a powerful security force that operates in conjunction with the Iraqi government.
On Tuesday, the group released a statement in which they said they had decided to halt all military operations against the US, a move that was made to prevent any “any embarrassment” to the Iraqi government.
But the statement appears to have had little effect in Washington.
“With respect to Kataib Hezbollah … we will judge this group as we do all of these Iranian proxy groups, not by what they say but by what they do,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
He said any US response to Sunday’s deadly attack would “not be escalatory” but designed to stop what Washington regards as Iran-backed aggression in the region.
The Pentagon says at least 40 US service members were wounded in the attack, including eight who had to be medically evacuated.
Tower 22, a remote US outpost in north-east Jordan, near the border with Syria, was already a target twice in the past six months but those attacks were thwarted by air-defence systems.
US President Joe Biden has said that he has decided how he will respond to the attack, the first time US soldiers have been killed in the region since October 7, but has not disclosed any details.
Mr Biden is trying to balance deterring future attacks while avoiding a broader conflict in an already tense region.
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Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
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In the role: Since January 2015
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Studied: Corporate finance
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Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
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Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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