US-Saudi Arabia airstrikes target Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces militia in Iraq

Tensions escalated in Iraq this week with joint U.S.-Saudi airstrikes targeting facilities belonging to the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). These strikes followed a series of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, which the United States attributes to Iran-directed militias.

“

Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups launched attacks from Iraqi territory targeting locations inside Iraq and in the region, posing serious risks to public safety.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert on July 28, warning Americans about "drone and missile activity in Iraq." The alert stated that "Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups launched attacks from Iraqi territory targeting locations inside Iraq and in the region, posing serious risks to public safety." The embassy reiterated its Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who has pledged to bring all weapons under state control, faces intensified pressure. During a recent visit to Washington, Zaidi discussed militia disarmament with U.S. officials. However, the PMF has shown little inclination to comply. Abu Fadhak al-Muhammadawi, chief of staff of the PMF, appeared to dismiss government efforts to control arms, stating, "whoever takes the weapon, man, let him take it."

“

whoever takes the weapon, man, let him take it.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), an umbrella group for several Iranian-backed militias, has also increased its rhetoric. According to Rudaw Media Network, the IRI issued an ultimatum to Baghdad to take action following the U.S.-Saudi strikes, threatening retaliation against American and Saudi interests. The Iranian-backed Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba movement similarly warned that "Washington's and Riyadh's interests and security would face consequences."

“

Washington's and Riyadh's interests and security would face consequences.