US-Saudi Airstrikes Kill at Least 20 Iraqi Militiamen in Baghdad

The Iraqi government has condemned a joint US-Saudi airstrike that killed at least 20 members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Baghdad. The attack occurred on Wednesday, July 29, and targeted command centers across seven provinces.

The PMF is a legally recognized component of the Iraqi Armed Forces, and the government has rejected any aggression against its territory. The statement from the Iraqi Presidency emphasized that the attack was 'a flagrant violation of sovereignty' and an 'unacceptable attack against its official security institutions.'

The US and Saudi Arabia had proceeded with military retaliation despite the PMF denying responsibility for drone strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure. The Iraqi National Security Council, chaired by Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi, expressed firm rejection of the attack and emphasized the need to prioritize dialogue.