Regional Powers Unite Against Iran-Backed Militias Operating from Iraqi Soil

Syria has joined Saudi Arabia and Jordan in warning Iraq that strikes conducted from Iraqi soil against neighboring nations may result in military action against the armed groups responsible, according to Syrian military officials cited by regional media.

The warning comes amid a steep increase in regional tensions after US-Saudi bombings against Iran-backed militias in Iraq in retaliation for drone assaults on Saudi oil installations, which Riyadh said were conducted from Iraqi territory.

Baghdad has repeatedly claimed that it would not allow its land to be used as a launchpad for attacks on neighboring nations. However, several Iran-backed organizations operating inside Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are at the heart of the conflict, including Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada.

The Syrian government has not issued an official warning, but regional media outlets have reported that Damascus will react to any strikes from Iraq by attacking the 'terrorist militias' involved inside Iraqi territory.