Iraqi President Condemns Joint US-Saudi Strikes That Killed 20

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi has condemned a joint military operation by the United States and Saudi Arabia that killed at least 20 members of a former paramilitary alliance encompassing pro-Iran factions. In a statement, Amedi described the deadly strikes as “unacceptable” and a “blatant violation of Iraqi sovereignty, targeting its official security institutions contrary to international law and the United Nations Charter”.

Amedi insisted that Iraqi territory must not be used as “a launching pad or arena for attacks against neighbouring countries or to settle regional and international disputes”. He urged “all parties to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and refrain from any actions that could undermine its security and stability”.

The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an alliance of former paramilitary groups now integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, confirmed that at least 20 of its fighters were killed and 32 others wounded in the preliminary toll. A PMF official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strikes hit bases across seven provinces, including Baghdad, Nineveh in the north and Basra in the south, causing significant material damage. Washington and Riyadh said the operation was a response to drone attacks launched from Iraqi soil against American forces and Saudi oil infrastructure.