US-Saudi strikes in Iraq kill 20 PMF members, group says
The death toll later rose to 20, according to the Popular Mobilisation Forces, while another 32 members were reported wounded. The strikes hit PMF positions in several Iraqi provinces.
The overnight attacks have added a new and serious layer to the growing tensions surrounding the conflict involving the United States, Iran and armed groups in the region.
The strikes also put Iraq in a difficult position as Baghdad tries to protect its sovereignty while maintaining relations with both Washington and Tehran.
What happened in the Iraq strikes?
The US military’s Central Command said American and Saudi forces carried out joint precision strikes against Iranian-aligned groups in Iraq.
According to CENTCOM, fighter jets targeted logistics and weapons facilities linked to attacks against US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. The US said the operation followed more than 30 drone attacks allegedly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the previous 72 hours.
The PMF said its facilities were hit in Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala and Diyala.
The attacks reportedly caused deaths, injuries and damage to buildings, military vehicles and other equipment. PMF teams were conducting further assessments to determine the full scale of the damage.
The PMF initially reported at least 10 deaths, with Nineveh described as the worst-hit area. It later announced a higher toll of 20 dead and 32 wounded.
The PMF condemned the operation as a “dangerous escalation, a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, and an attack on its official security institutions”.
The force was created in 2014 to fight armed groups and is now formally integrated into Iraq’s armed forces. However, several factions within the alliance maintain close links with Iran and operate with significant independence.
Saudi Arabia links strikes to attacks on its facilities
Saudi Arabia said its action followed drone attacks targeting its territory and energy infrastructure.
Riyadh had earlier reported intercepting drones aimed at oil facilities in its eastern region and blamed Iran-backed groups operating from Iraq. Saudi authorities said the joint operation with the US was carried out in response to those attacks.
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Saudi Arabia also warned that it would take further action if new attacks were launched against the kingdom.
The developments are especially sensitive because Iraq has repeatedly tried to avoid becoming a battlefield between regional and global powers.
Baghdad calls emergency security meeting
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an emergency meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security after the strikes.
The meeting was called to discuss the country’s security situation and the overnight air attacks. Iraqi authorities said a detailed statement would follow the meeting.
Baghdad had already ordered an investigation into claims that drones targeting Saudi Arabia were launched from Iraqi territory.
The Iraqi government has said it will not allow its territory to be used as a launchpad for attacks against neighbouring countries and has pledged legal action against anyone found responsible.
