LONDON: Joint US-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq on Wednesday exposed the depth of Tehran’s military network inside the country, where militias have evolved from insurgent movements into some of the most powerful political and security actors in the Iraqi state.
The operation, which followed more than 30 drone attacks over three days targeting Saudi Arabia’s petroleum infrastructure and US military sites in the region, has reignited debate over whether Baghdad can prevent its territory becoming a launchpad for wider regional conflict.
The coalition of pro-Iran paramilitaries known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, or Al-Hashd Al-Sha’abi, said the US-Saudi strikes hit its headquarters and facilities in Baghdad, Ninevah, Basra, Wasit, Karbala, Kirkuk, Salahuddin and Diyala provinces.
The PMF said at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 wounded. “These attacks resulted in the martyrdom of a number of personnel and injuries to others, as well as material damage to several buildings and properties,” the group said.
The scale of the strikes highlighted how extensively Iran-backed factions have become embedded across Iraq’s security landscape.
