BAGHDAD: Iraq Airstrikes escalated regional tensions on Wednesday after the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) said overnight joint US-Saudi strikes killed at least 20 of its members and wounded 32 others across several Iraqi provinces.

The PMF, also known as the Hashed al-Shaabi, said the attacks targeted its headquarters and facilities in Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala and Diyala. The group reported extensive damage to buildings, military vehicles and equipment, while assessment teams continued to evaluate the full scale of the destruction.

In a statement, the PMF said the strikes resulted in fatalities, injuries and significant material losses. The coalition described the operation as a “dangerous escalation,” calling it a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and an attack on the country’s official security institutions.

More than 100 words into the unfolding crisis, Iraq Airstrikes remained the focus as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American and Saudi forces carried out coordinated precision strikes against Iranian-aligned groups. According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted logistics hubs and weapons facilities linked to more than 30 drone attacks allegedly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure during the previous 72 hours.

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PMF Reports Heavy Losses

The PMF said multiple headquarters were struck during the operation, leaving several fighters dead and dozens injured.

Established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State group, the PMF has since become part of Iraq’s official security apparatus. Several of its brigades maintain close ties with Iran-backed armed factions that operate across the country.

Baghdad Calls Emergency Security Meeting

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an emergency session of the Ministerial Council for National Security following the overnight strikes.

According to Iraq’s Security Media Cell, the council met to review the security situation and assess the impact of the aerial attacks. Officials said the government would issue a detailed statement outlining decisions taken during the emergency meeting.

Saudi Arabia Defends Military Operation

Saudi Arabia said the strikes were conducted in coordination with the United States under the right of self-defense provided by Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Riyadh said the operation targeted sites allegedly linked to recent drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. The Foreign Ministry accused Iran-backed groups in Iraq of escalating regional tensions despite efforts to preserve stability.

Saudi officials warned that while the kingdom does not seek further escalation, it would take additional military action if attacks against its territory continue.

Regional Tensions Deepen

The latest military action highlights Iraq’s increasingly difficult position between its two major partners, the United States and Iran.

Washington has intensified pressure on Iran-backed armed groups operating in Iraq, while the Iraqi government has sought to balance its security partnerships with both countries.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who recently visited both Washington and Tehran, has pledged to bring armed factions under full state control. However, his efforts have faced resistance from several powerful militia groups.

The overnight strikes mark one of the most significant military escalations in Iraq in recent months and raise fresh concerns about broader regional instability.