A coordinated military operation by the United States and Saudi Arabia in Iraq has claimed the lives of at least 20 militants, including several Iranian nationals. The Hashed al-Shaabi, also recognized as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, confirmed the casualties, stating that 32 others were injured during the incident in the central province of Diyala. Funeral processions were held in Baghdad, with coffins draped in Iranian flags visible during the ceremony.
Officials from the US and Saudi Arabia stated that the offensive was a direct response to previous strikes against American military personnel and Saudi oil infrastructure. The strikes targeted factions within the Hashed al-Shaabi that receive support from Tehran. President Donald Trump indicated that the action was coordinated with the Iraqi government, which is currently under pressure to reign in various armed groups.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who assumed office this year, has pledged to exert state control over weapons held by these groups, setting a deadline of September 30 for disarmament. Despite these efforts, the Iraqi government formally condemned the strikes, labeling them a violation of national sovereignty and rejecting the use of its territory for regional conflict. Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of pro-Iran groups, has warned of potential future retaliation following the conclusion of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
