US strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq reportedly continue as Baghdad warns of 'right to respond'

The U.S. military has reportedly launched airstrikes targeting Iran-backed militias (PMF) in Iraq, including headquarters and residences, escalating tensions in the region. These strikes follow U.S. warnings about suppressing threats against American forces and interests in Iraq. In response, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani condemned the attacks as violations of sovereignty and asserted Iraq's right to respond and defend itself, planning to summon U.S. and Iranian representatives. While the PMF is part of the Iraqi government, an Iraqi embassy spokesperson denied the government would fight the Americans, stating action would be against elements targeting them. Fresh airstrikes on PMF bases in western Iraq were reported, as the PMF has launched attacks on U.S. assets following a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran.

Iraq plans to summon the US and Iranian envoys to deliver formal protests over recent deadly attacks on Iraqi territory. The Iraqi government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will lodge complaints with the US charge d’affaires and the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad. These actions follow attacks on the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) headquarters in Anbar province and the Kurdistan Regional Guard headquarters in Erbil. The Iraqi presidency condemned the attack on the PMF, which killed at least 15 people. Iraq will also file a formal complaint with the UN Security Council regarding these acts of aggression, which it links to the broader US-Israeli conflict with Iran that began on February 28.

On March 24, 2026, an air attack struck a headquarters of the pro-Iran Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq's Anbar province. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least ten people who were reportedly attending a commanders' meeting. The incident occurred at a time when tensions in the region are elevated. Video footage shows the aftermath of the airstrike, although the source and perpetrator of the attack remain unconfirmed in initial reports. The PMF is a coalition of Iraqi armed groups, many of which are backed by Iran.