Airstrikes targeting a site belonging to Iraq’s Shi’ite paramilitary forces in Anbar province have killed at least 15 fighters, including a senior commander, according to security and health sources.
The strikes, which occurred on Tuesday, also left about 30 others injured, some of them critically, raising fears that the death toll may increase.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) confirmed the death of its Anbar operations commander, Saad al-Baiji, along with 14 other fighters.
In a statement, the group accused the United States of carrying out the attack, saying the airstrike hit a command headquarters while personnel were on duty.
Sources said the facility was struck during a security meeting attended by senior commanders, which likely contributed to the high number of casualties.
Read Also:
- White House says plans for Iran talks remain “fluid”
- Middle East tensions escalate as Netanyahu vows continued strikes, Iran denies US talks
- Starmer, Trump discuss need to open Hormuz Strait
Health officials warned that several of the injured remain in critical condition and the death toll could rise.
The PMF, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, is an umbrella group of mostly Shi’ite paramilitary factions that have been formally integrated into Iraq’s state security forces.
Some of its factions maintain close ties with Iran.
The incident comes amid rising tensions in the region, as Iran-backed groups have stepped up attacks on US military bases in Iraq following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in February.
