US-Saudi attacks on Iraq kill 20

Joint airstrikes by the United States and Saudi Arabia in Iraq have resulted in the deaths of at least 20 members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and injured 32 others, according to an Iraqi state-recognized umbrella group. The strikes, which hit PMF positions in seven provinces including Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala, and Diyala, also caused significant damage to buildings, vehicles, and military equipment.

The PMF stated that the casualty figures are preliminary and may increase as assessments continue. This retaliatory action was reportedly carried out in response to an alleged Iranian-backed Iraqi militia's drone attack on Saudi oil facilities. Notably, Saudi Arabia reported no casualties in the recent attacks it faced.

Iran swiftly condemned the joint US-Saudi operation, denouncing it as "blatant aggression against the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq." The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the deadly strikes as a "grave violation of international law" and aligned with the "ambitions of the United States and the Zionist regime to expand the scope of the war."

In its statement, Iran conveyed condolences for the Iraqi lives lost and affirmed its full support and solidarity with the Iraqi government and people. The ministry held the "war-mongering US regime and its regional pawns" responsible for the dangerous consequences of these "criminal, inhumane, and provocative actions."

The Saudi Ministry of Defense had previously confirmed that its armed forces, in cooperation with the US Central Command (CENTCOM), conducted strikes against Iranian-backed militia targets in Iraq, framing it as a response to the drone attack on Saudi oil facilities.