Iraq Pledges Retaliation Following Fatal US Strikes on Popular Mobilization Units
The Iraqi military has declared its intention to retaliate against recent aerial attacks conducted by U.S. aircraft and drones on the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), a group recognized for its role in counter-terrorism efforts. The decision to respond is based on the principle of self-defense.
Early Tuesday, strikes targeted the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in Iraq’s western al-Anbar province, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 fighters. Among those killed was Dr. Saad Daway, who served as the commander of operations in the region.
An additional attack targeted the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) headquarters in Iraq’s Nineveh Province, located in the north-west of the country. This site also functioned as the residence of the organization’s leader, Falih Al Fayyadh.
In a statement, the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) asserted that the ongoing aggressive maneuvers and repeated violent acts against their valiant security forces demonstrate a deliberate and strategic policy to target these courageous units.
Footage shared on social media depicted black smoke billowing from a building following a drone strike. While no fatalities were reported at the site in Nineveh, at least one combatant was injured, and the structure suffered considerable damage.
In the aftermath of the strikes, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called an urgent assembly of the Ministerial Council for National Security. The council made a commitment to protect Iraq and address what they termed “unjustified aggressions and a serious breach of sovereignty.”
A spokesperson for the head of the military announced a decision to retaliate against the strikes by US aircraft and drones on the bases and units of the Popular Mobilization Forces, invoking the principle of self-defense.
Authorities have announced intentions to take action against individuals implicated in assaults on security establishments and diplomatic offices.
The Iraqi foreign ministry has officially lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council and has called in the US chargé d’affaires for consultations.
The onslaught against the PMU has intensified since the end of last month, following the onset of recent unprovoked actions by the United States and Israel against neighboring Iran.
Prominent Iraqi leaders have voiced strong indignation over the increasing violence and the atrocities directed towards the Islamic Republic.
In response to recent developments, various factions of the Popular Mobilization Units have pledged ongoing resistance against those attempting to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Arab nation. They have also expressed solidarity with the Islamic Republic amidst what they describe as unlawful American-Israeli attacks.
