Who is involved
For years, Iraq has been a complex tapestry of alliances and conflicts, with various factions vying for power and influence. The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a coalition of mostly Shia militias, have been a significant player in the fight against ISIS and have received support from Iran. Meanwhile, the United States has maintained a military presence in Iraq, ostensibly to combat terrorism and support the Iraqi government. Until recently, there was an expectation that these factions could coexist, albeit with underlying tensions.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically on March 24, 2026, when an aerial attack on a military base in Anbar province resulted in the deaths of 15 fighters, including a commander. This was not an isolated incident; it marked a decisive moment in the ongoing conflict, as the PMF found themselves targeted alongside the broader Iraqi military for the first time. The immediate aftermath was devastating, with seven fighters killed and 13 wounded in the subsequent strike.
The PMF swiftly condemned the attack, labeling it a “blatant aggression [that] constitutes a grave violation of national sovereignty.” This sentiment was echoed by Iraq’s Ministry of Defence, which described the assault as a “heinous crime.” The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, took immediate action by instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the US charge d’affaires in Baghdad, signaling a serious diplomatic response to the strikes.
As the dust settled, the implications of these attacks began to unfold. The PMF was granted a “right to respond” to any aggression against it, a move that could escalate the already fraught situation further. Iraq’s government announced its intention to file a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council, seeking international support against what it perceives as violations of its sovereignty.
Experts have weighed in on the situation, noting that the strikes represent a significant escalation in the targeting of the PMF. Assed Baig, a regional analyst, remarked, “The strikes demonstrate ‘an escalation in terms of the PMF being targeted.'” This shift not only affects the PMF but also places the broader Iraqi military in a precarious position, caught between competing interests of local factions and foreign powers.
Moreover, the attacks highlight a troubling trend: Iraq is increasingly becoming a battlefield between Iraqi armed factions and the United States. As Baig pointed out, “Increasingly, Iraq is becoming a battlefield between Iraqi armed factions and the United States.” This raises critical questions about the future of Iraq’s sovereignty and the stability of the region as a whole.
As the situation continues to evolve, the potential for further conflict looms large. The PMF’s response and the Iraqi government’s diplomatic maneuvers will be closely watched, as they could set the stage for a new chapter in Iraq’s tumultuous history. Details remain unconfirmed, but the stakes are undeniably high for all parties involved, and the echoes of this conflict will likely resonate far beyond Iraq’s borders.
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