BAGHDAD, Iraq: The US-Saudi Iraq strikes killed at least eight Popular Mobilisation Forces members in Nineveh after fighter aircraft targeted Iran-aligned groups on July 28, officials said.
The PMF’s Nineveh command reported four other members wounded. Two PMF personnel suffered injuries in a separate strike on the group’s headquarters in Basra, the Iraqi News Agency reported.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American and Saudi aircraft struck multiple logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq.
It accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of directing the targeted groups. CENTCOM said the operation responded to more than 30 drone attacks against US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure during the previous 72 hours.
The attacks on American assets were unsuccessful, according to its official statement.
Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki said Iraq-based militias had launched drones at petroleum facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh region. Saudi air defences intercepted several of the aircraft.
Read: US Strikes Prompt Iraq to Reevaluate Coalition Presence Amid Rising Tensions
Riyadh invoked its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. However, the ministry said Saudi Arabia did not seek further escalation and would respond to additional attacks.
The PMF said the airstrikes hit several official headquarters and damaged buildings. It condemned the operation as a dangerous escalation and an attack on Iraq’s sovereignty and security institutions.
Read: ‘End of American domination’: Mideast rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia restore ties
The PMF became part of Iraq’s state security apparatus in 2016. The organisation includes factions closely aligned with Tehran, although the United States and Saudi Arabia did not publicly identify the groups struck.
Iran denied directing projectiles launched from other countries towards Saudi targets. Iraq-based armed groups also denied responsibility for the drone attacks, according to the Reuters report.
Oil prices rose by more than $3 a barrel on July 29 as markets assessed the risk of further regional escalation.
Read: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Strikes Targets in Iraq and Syria
