Baghdad, July 29: The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq have reported that airstrikes conducted by the United States and Saudi Arabia have resulted in the deaths of 20 of their fighters, with 32 others injured.
According to the PMF, this is an initial assessment, and the number of casualties may rise as evaluations continue at the scene. The state-supported coalition, primarily composed of Shia militia groups, stated that the attacks targeted their bases located in Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala, and Diyala provinces.
The PMF also indicated that the airstrikes caused varying degrees of damage to buildings, vehicles, and military equipment.
In response to the airstrikes, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi convened a meeting of the National Security Council. This emergency session was called following the alleged overnight airstrikes by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
The Prime Minister’s office announced that a detailed statement regarding the developments and decisions made during the meeting will be released afterward.
This meeting was prompted by the PMF’s claim that at least 20 of its fighters were killed and 32 others injured in the airstrikes. The PMF is recognized as a paramilitary force in Iraq, having been established in 2014 when the terrorist organization ISIS seized large portions of the country.
The PMF played a crucial role in driving ISIS out of Iraq in 2017, and the Iraqi government later recognized it as an official security force. Its fighters receive salaries from the government.
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