US, Saudi strikes kill 20 in Iraq's ex-paramilitary group

Joint airstrikes by the United States and Saudi Arabia in Iraq have killed at least 20 members of the former paramilitary group, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the alliance announced Wednesday. An additional 32 militants were injured in the attacks.

The PMF, which comprises various groups integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, stated that the strikes targeted their bases across seven provinces, causing material damage. The alliance described the actions as "aggression" and a dangerous escalation against "official security institutions."

These strikes follow Saudi Arabia's announcement of intercepting drones targeting its eastern oil facilities, which it claimed were launched by Iran-backed groups operating from Iraq. These groups have denied the accusations, labeling them "fabricated" and warning Saudi Arabia against attacking Iraq.

The U.S. has been intensifying pressure on Baghdad to disarm pro-Iranian armed groups. Iraqi Prime Minister Alí az-Zajdí, who came to power this year, has pledged to disarm these factions, though some powerful groups have expressed resistance.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), a coalition of the most active pro-Iranian armed groups, has previously claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on U.S. bases in the region. However, the IRI has not claimed any attacks since the U.S. and Iran resumed hostilities this month.