Saudi-US strikes kill eight PMF members in Iraq after drone attacks

Riyadh: Eight members of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were killed and four others injured in joint Saudi-US airstrikes on the group's headquarters across Iraq. Describing the attacks as a violation of the country's sovereignty, the Iran-backed armed group informed about the strikes on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia earlier claimed to have carried out targeted strikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq in coordination with the US Central Command (CENTCOM), in response to what it described as recent drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory, as reported by Al Jazeera.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Defence said that it “intercepted and destroyed several drones that attempted to target petroleum facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh regions…launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iran-aligned terrorist militias”.

The ministry said the drones had been launched from Iraqi territory by "Iran-aligned terrorist militias."

"The Kingdom emphasizes that it does not seek escalation but will respond to any aggression it faces," the statement said.

The PMF condemned the strikes, calling them a "highly dangerous escalation" and accusing Saudi Arabia and the United States of violating Iraq's sovereignty and targeting an official Iraqi security institution.

The strikes were carried out a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi directed security agencies to investigate the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, who is expected to visit Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

Earlier this week, the Iraqi military said the country remained committed to ensuring its territory was not used to launch attacks against neighbouring or friendly nations.

"Iraq is committed to preventing Iraqi territory from being used as a route or launching point for any attack targeting brotherly or friendly countries," the military said in a statement on Monday.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organisation of Iran-backed armed groups, denied involvement in the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Describing the Saudi allegations as "fabrications", the group warned that "any foolish Saudi action will be met with a harsh response."