Iraq labels US-Saudi strikes on paramilitary forces as aggression

Baghdad (ANTARA) - The Iraqi Presidency has strongly condemned attacks by the United States (US) and Saudi Arabia targeting Iraqi paramilitaries, the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), labelling them as “unacceptable aggression” and a “blatant violation of Iraqi sovereignty.”

In an official statement on Wednesday (29/7), the presidency stated that attacking official security institutions contravenes international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.

Reiterating Iraq’s rejection of all forms of aggression within its territory, the presidency emphasised that Iraqi soil must not be used as a launchpad or arena for attacking neighbouring countries or resolving regional and international disputes.

Furthermore, the presidency urged all relevant parties to respect Iraqi sovereignty and refrain from actions that could jeopardise the security and stability of the nation, while emphasising the importance of prioritising dialogue to resolve crises, ease tensions, and maintain regional security.

Earlier on the same day, the PMF stated that at least 20 of its members were killed and 32 others wounded in the US-Saudi strikes across several Iraqi provinces.

Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation in a statement, saying that US and Saudi forces conducted precision airstrikes on Tuesday (28/7) against Iran-aligned militants in Iraq, following a series of drone attacks targeting US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.

The PMF is an umbrella organisation supported by the Iraqi government, consisting of dozens of paramilitary factions. The PMF has been officially integrated into the Iraqi armed forces following the campaign against the extremist group ISIS.