Iraq Condemns US-Saudi Airstrikes
Iraq has condemned joint United States and Saudi Arabian airstrikes against Iran-aligned armed groups, describing the operation as a violation of its sovereignty. The strikes targeted Popular Mobilisation Forces facilities across several Iraqi provinces and reportedly killed at least 20 fighters.
Iraq Condemns US-Saudi Airstrikes
Iraq’s National Security Council held an emergency meeting following attacks on PMF bases in seven provinces. The council described the strikes as aggression that violated international law and the United Nations Charter.
Baghdad warned that any infringement of Iraqi security and territorial sovereignty would not be accepted. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi also cancelled his first official visit to Saudi Arabia in protest against the operation.
Iraqi authorities said the strikes had disrupted their investigation into allegations that armed groups used Iraqi territory to attack Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Cites Drone Attacks
The United States and Saudi Arabia said the targeted groups were responsible for attempted attacks on American forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Saudi authorities alleged that drones launched from Iraqi territory had targeted petroleum facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. Iran-aligned groups in Iraq denied responsibility and demanded evidence supporting the accusations.
At least 20 PMF members and several Iranian military advisers were reportedly killed in strikes extending from northern Iraq to the south.
Iraqi Militias Threaten Retaliation
The attacks triggered demonstrations in Baghdad, where PMF supporters demanded the expulsion of the Saudi ambassador.
Kataib Hezbollah warned that retaliation was inevitable and gave the Iraqi government until August 6 to demonstrate that it could protect the country’s sovereignty.
The developments have increased pressure on Baghdad as it attempts to prevent Iraq from becoming a wider battlefield in the regional conflict.
