US-Saudi Strikes on Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq Escalate Regional Tensions
The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint airstrikes against facilities belonging to Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iran-backed umbrella group of militias, in response to a series of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. The strikes, which took place this week, have triggered promises of retaliation from the PMF and heightened fears of a wider conflict.
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert on July 28, warning Americans of "drone and missile activity in Iraq" and stating that "Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups launched attacks from Iraqi territory targeting locations inside Iraq and in the region, posing serious risks to public safety." The embassy reiterated that Iraq remains under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest.
The strikes have intensified pressure on Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who has pledged to place all weapons under state control. During a recent visit to Washington, Zaidi discussed militia disarmament with US officials, according to reports.
Drone Interceptions Over Jordan
Separately, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted three drones over Jordan on Monday and Tuesday. According to a source cited by The Jerusalem Post, the drones were likely launched by Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq. The IDF said two drones were intercepted at approximately 11 a.m. on Monday and a third shortly before 6 a.m. on Tuesday, adding that "the aircraft did not cross into Israeli territory, and the source of the launch is under investigation."
At the time of writing, the PMF had not claimed responsibility for the drone launches on its official social media or website.
PMF's History of Attacks
The PMF, which includes well-armed militias such as Badr and Kataib Hezbollah, has been linked to attacks on infrastructure belonging to countries and institutions viewed as enemies by Iran. Reports have linked the PMF to targeting the Kurdistan Regional Government's buildings in Erbil, US bases in Jordan and Syria, and oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The group is also linked with a drone attack targeting Riyadh in January 2021.
Escalation Concerns and Retaliation Threats
The airstrikes have ignited fears of an escalation, with the PMF now promising to retaliate. One of its factions has reportedly given the Iraqi government a week to respond to the Saudi attacks, raising questions about the potential consequences if that deadline passes.
The Iraqi government has not yet issued a formal response to the strikes, but the situation has drawn international concern over the possibility of further violence in the region.