Airstrikes conducted by the United States and Saudi Arabia against targets belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq were carried out without prior notification to the Baghdad authorities, according to multiple local sources. The move has raised concerns over national sovereignty and could further escalate regional tensions.
Iraqi officials said the government was not consulted before the airstrike campaign took place, despite the U.S. military maintaining a presence in Iraq under a security cooperation agreement. The lack of coordination is seen as an unusual development, as international coalition military operations in Iraq are typically coordinated closely with local authorities.
The PMF, a militia force integrated into Iraq's security framework, was the target of airstrikes believed to have aimed at positions of Iran-aligned armed groups. No official casualty figures have been released, but initial reports suggest there may be numerous dead and wounded from the attacks.
Baghdad's reaction is expected to be strongly critical, as many Iraqi lawmakers and security officials view this as a violation of sovereignty. With ongoing negotiations over the future of coalition forces in Iraq, this incident could complicate relations between Washington, Riyadh, and Baghdad, while adding pressure on the Iraqi government to reconsider the role of foreign forces on its territory.
Analysts suggest that the failure to notify Baghdad in advance may reflect differing approaches to Iran-backed armed groups and raises questions about the level of trust and effectiveness in bilateral security relations. The Iraqi government has not yet issued an official statement following the news, but domestic public opinion is said to be closely watching these developments.
