Iraqi Government Denies Authorization for US-Saudi Strikes on PMF
Summary
The Iraqi government has stated that recent US and Saudi strikes targeting Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were conducted without Baghdad's knowledge or consent. This development highlights the complex friction between US/Saudi military operations against Iranian-backed proxies and the sovereignty of the Iraqi state, potentially escalating regional tensions and complicating diplomatic relations.
Sources (1)
Actor Responses
Conducted strikes on PMF targets in coordination with Saudi Arabia, allegedly without Iraqi government approval.
Not directly mentioned, but the PMF is an Iranian-backed proxy force; the strikes target Iranian influence in Iraq.
Related Events (2)
"Both events involve military actions targeting US interests or US-allied entities in the region (Kuwait airbase and Iraqi PMF) likely orchestrated by Iranian-backed proxies or the IRGC, indicating a coordinated or simultaneous campaign against US presence in the Middle East."
"Event 14 describes an IRGC retaliatory strike in Kuwait following US operations, while the new event describes US/Saudi strikes on PMF in Iraq. These are part of the same broader cycle of conflict between US/Saudi forces and Iranian-backed militias, occurring in close temporal proximity and reflecting the same geopolitical friction."