Iraq: Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) announced on Wednesday that at least 20 of its members were killed and 32 others were wounded in overnight US-Saudi airstrikes. These strikes targeted the group's headquarters in several provinces across the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PMF's statement, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), indicated that the airstrikes impacted facilities in the provinces of Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala, and Diyala. The attacks resulted in extensive damage to the group's headquarters, military vehicles, and equipment. Specialized committees are currently conducting field assessments to ascertain the full extent of the damage.

The statement from the PMF followed an announcement by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which confirmed that US and Saudi forces conducted joint precision strikes against targets aligned with Iranian interests in Iraq. CENTCOM stated that the operation aimed at sites linked to previous attacks on US forces and critical Saudi energy infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia justified its involvement in the strikes by citing self-defense measures. It claimed the operation was a response to attacks launched from Iraqi territory targeting the kingdom's petroleum facilities, invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has warned of additional military action should Iran-backed groups continue attacks against its interests.