US-Saudi strikes kill 10 Iraqi paramilitary members

At least 10 members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were killed in a series of airstrikes attributed to the United States and Saudi Arabia across several Iraqi provinces, officials confirmed Monday. The deadliest attack occurred in Nineveh province, where at least 10 PMF fighters were killed, and the death toll is expected to rise as reports of wounded emerge from other areas.

The Attacks: Scale and Locations

The strikes, described by Iraqi officials as US-Saudi operations, hit multiple targets across different provinces. While Nineveh suffered the highest casualties, other provinces also reported injuries among PMF members. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that the toll is likely to increase as search and rescue efforts continue. The attacks mark a significant escalation in the campaign against the PMF, a state-sanctioned paramilitary network that has grown into a major security and political force in Iraq.

The Popular Mobilisation Forces: A Complex Force

The PMF, known in Arabic as Al-Hashd al-Shaabi, was formed in 2014 to fight the Islamic State (IS) group. It is now an official part of Iraq’s security apparatus, reporting to the prime minister. However, many of its constituent factions have close ties to Iran and have been accused of carrying out attacks on US interests in the region. US and Saudi officials have long viewed some PMF brigades as proxies for Tehran and have targeted their positions in previous strikes.

Iraq’s Precarious Balancing Act

Iraq has sought to maintain a delicate balance between its alliances with both the US and Iran, two adversaries vying for influence in the country. The latest airstrikes threaten to destabilize that equilibrium, putting pressure on the Iraqi government to respond forcefully to what it sees as a violation of its sovereignty. PMF leaders have vowed retaliation, raising fears of a new cycle of violence.

Regional Fallout and Reactions

The strikes come amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, with the US increasing its military posture against Iran-backed groups. Saudi Arabia’s involvement underscores the wider regional rivalry with Iran. Analysts warn that such attacks could provoke a backlash from PMF factions and their Iranian patrons, potentially drawing Iraq deeper into the proxy war. The Iraqi government has summoned the US and Saudi ambassadors to protest, but no official statement has been released yet.

Looking Ahead

The rising death toll and the spread of attacks across multiple provinces indicate a coordinated campaign that may not be over. With the PMF vowing revenge and the US remaining committed to targeting what it calls militias threatening its forces, the situation remains volatile. Iraq’s political leaders face the urgent task of de-escalation, but the path forward is unclear as both Washington and Tehran show little willingness to compromise.