US Strikes Iraqi PMF Base; Iraq Vows Self-Defense.

Multiple US airstrikes targeted bases of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in western Anbar province, resulting in significant casualties and escalating tensions between Washington and Baghdad.

“On Tuesday, the Iraqi prime minister said Baghdad would summon the Iranian and US ambassadors over the recent strikes”

Al Jazeera

On Tuesday, an airstrike killed at least 15 PMF fighters including a senior commander, while a separate attack on Wednesday targeted a military clinic at Habbaniyah base, killing seven Iraqi security personnel and wounding 13 others.

Al Jazeera

The Jerusalem Post reported conflicting casualty figures, citing Shafaq News that claimed '30 killed and wounded from the Popular Mobilisation Forces in the bombing of the Habbaniyah base in Anbar province,' while Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha confirmed the death of Anbar provincial commander Saad Dawai al-Baiji and several fighters during a commanders' meeting.

Türkiye Today characterized the Wednesday strike as hitting 'medical facilities' which represents 'a grave crime,' while annahar detailed that the attack 'resulted in the martyrdom of seven of our heroic fighters and the injury of 13 others while performing their national and humanitarian duties.'

The Iraqi government responded forcefully to the US strikes, summoning the US charge d'affaires and preparing diplomatic action against Washington.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani 'instructed the foreign ministry to summon the US charge d'affaires in Baghdad over attacks that targeted its military units,' according to Al Jazeera.

annahar

Muslim Network TV reported that 'Iraqi government said it would lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council and other international bodies, signaling a potential escalation in diplomatic tensions.'

The National revealed that Iraq's National Security Council 'has authorised the Popular Mobilisation Forces to exercise the right of self-defence and respond to any attacks on their positions as strikes on security forces continued on Wednesday,' with the council 'condemning the 'unjustified attacks' on forces including the PMF and the Peshmerga, and pledged to take action against those responsible.'

Washingtonpost noted that 'The incident could strain relations between the two nations amid the war in neighboring Iran,' highlighting the growing diplomatic fallout from the military actions.

The PMF, officially part of Iraq's regular armed forces but containing Iran-aligned brigades, condemned the strikes as violations of national sovereignty and international law.

“News Flash BAGHDAD, March 24, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A strike in western Iraq on Tuesday killed a commander and several fighters from the former paramilitary coalition Hashed al-Shaabi, the group said”

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

The Jerusalem Post described the PMF as 'mostly made up of Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias' that 'have carried out hundreds of attacks in Iraq since the US and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28,'

while Al Jazeera noted that the PMF 'shares the base with members of Iraq's regular army.'

Muslim Network TV reported that 'The PMF described the strikes as a 'blatant violation of national sovereignty,' warning that such actions risk dragging Iraq deeper into a conflict not of its choosing,'

and emphasized that the attacks 'appear to have directly struck units linked to Iraq's official security apparatus, including elements associated with the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), which operate under state authority.'

annahar characterized the attacks as 'a blatant and serious violation of all international laws and norms prohibiting attacks on medical facilities and personnel,' describing the targeting as 'a significant escalation that demands firm intervention and accountability for those responsible, as targeting medical facilities is an atrocity by any standard.'

The strikes occurred within the broader context of escalating US-Israeli military operations against Iran and its regional allies, which have already caused widespread casualties and regional instability.

Türkiye Today reported that 'the US and Israel have maintained airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei,'

Muslim Network TV

while noting that 'Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.'

The Jerusalem Post detailed that 'Iran-backed militias target US sites in Iraq' and have 'carried out hundreds of attacks in Iraq since the US and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28,'

including 'rocket attacks on Syria' and 'numerous airstrikes targeting the PMF.'

Muslim Network TV warned that 'Officials warned that the assault could further damage relations between Baghdad and Washington and destabilize an already volatile region,'

while noting that 'The incident comes amid the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which has already resulted in widespread casualties and regional instability, further fueling concerns over the erosion of international legal norms and the growing disregard for state sovereignty.'

The attacks on medical facilities and Iraqi security forces have raised significant concerns about violations of international law and potential war crimes.

“The brigade's headquarters in the same area was struck on Tuesday, killing at least 15 fighters including senior leaders”

Modern Ghana

Türkiye Today quoted the Iraqi defense ministry statement calling the strike 'a dangerous escalation,' stressing that 'targeting medical facilities represents 'a grave crime.'

The Detroit News

annahar similarly condemned the attacks as 'a blatant and serious violation of all international laws and norms prohibiting attacks on medical facilities and personnel,'

and emphasized that 'targeting medical facilities is an atrocity by any standard, given that they focus on saving lives and providing care to fighters.'

The National reported that 'An air strike hit a military clinic and centre in Al Habbaniya, west of Baghdad, killing seven soldiers and wounding 13 others, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday,'

and noted that 'The attack, described as a 'heinous crime', hit a medical centre and personnel, breaching international laws and norms.'

Muslim Network TV highlighted broader concerns about 'the erosion of international legal norms and the growing disregard for state sovereignty,'

while annahar affirmed that 'The Ministry of Defense reserves the full right to take all necessary measures to respond to this aggression, within the bounds of accepted legal frameworks,' indicating Iraq's determination to defend its sovereignty and international legal obligations.