The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has witnessed a significant escalation as Saudi Arabia, in a historic move, collaborated with the United States to conduct a joint military operation within Iraqi territory. This operation marks the first time since the onset of the current regional conflict that Saudi Arabia has moved beyond defensive measures to actively participate in offensive strikes alongside American forces. The primary target of this coordinated aerial campaign was the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Al-Hashd al-Shaabi, an Iran-backed militia group with deep roots in Iraq, while the strikes were distributed across seven different provinces in Iraq, signaling a broad and strategic attempt to dismantle the group's operational capabilities.
Details of the Joint Military Action
The joint operation between Saudi Arabia and the United States targeted several logistics hubs and weapon storage facilities utilized by the PMF. This action is particularly noteworthy as it represents a deepening of military cooperation between Riyadh and Washington in the face of rising regional tensions. According to reports, the decision to launch these strikes followed a series of provocative actions attributed to Iran-backed entities, while the operation was specifically designed to neutralize the threat posed by the PMF's growing arsenal of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The strikes were carried out during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, catching the militia forces off guard in multiple locations.
Casualties and Impact on IRGC
The impact of the joint operation has been substantial, with significant casualties reported among both the PMF and their Iranian advisors. Iranian state media, including the Mehr News Agency, confirmed that at least 4 members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed during the aerial bombardment in the northern Diyala province. The deceased IRGC members have been identified as Ali Asghar Astaneh, Abolfazl Motaqi, Morteza Akbari, and Amir Abbas Darhamforoush. On top of that, reports from the New York Times, citing an anonymous American official, suggest that the death toll among Iranian personnel is much higher, while it's claimed that approximately 20 Iranian advisors, including technical experts and IRGC members, lost their lives in the operation. These advisors were reportedly targeted because of their role in deploying PMF missiles and UAVs.
PMF Losses Across Seven Provinces
The Popular Mobilization Forces officially announced the extent of their losses following the strikes, while according to their statement, at least 20 of their members were killed and 32 others were injured in the attacks. The operation spanned 7 provinces, including Baghdad, Diyala, Kirkuk, and Basra. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the action, stating that the joint operation targeted logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq. CENTCOM clarified that this military response was triggered by more than 30 drone attacks carried out within a 72 hour period. These drone strikes, allegedly orchestrated by the IRGC, had targeted American military personnel and Saudi energy facilities, necessitating a decisive counter-response.
Iraq's Diplomatic Reaction
The government of Iraq has expressed strong disapproval of the military action taken on its soil, while " This condemnation comes at a sensitive time, as Iraqi officials have been actively engaged in discussions with representatives from the United States and Saudi Arabia to improve the regional security situation. The strikes have added a layer of complexity to the diplomatic relations between Baghdad, Washington, and Riyadh. While the US and Saudi Arabia have been strengthening their ties, including signing a civil nuclear deal, the presence and activities of Iran-backed groups in Iraq remain a major point of contention.
The Evolution and Strength of PMF
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) has a complex history that dates back to June 2014. The group was formed following a fatwa issued by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani after the Sunni extremist group ISIS captured Mosul, while initially, the PMF was a coalition of 50 to 70 different militia groups with varying loyalties. Over the years, there were several attempts to institutionalize the PMF as a formal branch of the Iraqi government. In 2016, the Iraqi parliament passed a law that officially integrated the PMF into the state security apparatus, recognizing it as an independent military unit and an official part of the armed forces. The PMF played a crucial role in the military campaign to defeat ISIS and reclaim Iraqi territory.
PMF as Part of the Axis of Resistance
Despite its official status within the Iraqi state, several powerful factions within the PMF maintain close ties with Iran's IRGC. These groups are considered an integral part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance," which includes organizations like Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while this alignment makes the PMF a significant player in the broader regional power struggle. According to a report by Kurdistan's Draw Media, the PMF has seen exponential growth in its ranks. In 2014, the group consisted of approximately 60000 fighters. Today, that number has surged to 238000 fighters. 5 percent of Iraq's total security forces, giving the PMF substantial influence over the country's internal and external security dynamics.