Full Breakdown
Escalating Conflict: Airstrikes Target Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces Amid US-Israeli Operations
3/20/2026, 5:39:18 AM
Recent Airstrikes and Casualties
In a significant escalation of hostilities, airstrikes in Iraq have targeted the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), resulting in multiple casualties. On March 18, 2026, at least two PMF fighters were killed in strikes in the Nineveh and Salah al-Din provinces, with additional reports indicating that three members were killed in Anbar province earlier that day. The PMF, a predominantly Shia paramilitary group integrated into Iraq’s security forces, attributed these attacks to Israel and the United States, framing them as part of a broader conflict involving Iran.
Background and Context
The PMF was established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State (ISIS) and has since evolved into a network of militias, many of which are aligned with Iran. The current wave of violence began on February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel launched military operations against Iranian interests, prompting retaliatory strikes from Iranian-backed militias against US facilities in Iraq. This has led to a cycle of violence, with PMF factions conducting near-daily attacks on US interests, while simultaneously facing airstrikes in return.
Key Figures and Groups
Kataib Hezbollah, a prominent faction within the PMF, has been at the forefront of this conflict. Its leadership, including secretary-general Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, has issued statements indicating a conditional suspension of attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad, contingent on specific demands being met, such as halting Israeli operations in Beirut. This group is considered a terrorist organization by the US and is closely linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Official Statements and Responses
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemned the airstrikes as "treacherous and cowardly," asserting that they undermine Iraq’s sovereignty. He has directed security agencies to pursue those responsible for the attacks on PMF positions. Meanwhile, the US State Department has reiterated its condemnation of attacks by Iranian-aligned militias on US personnel and facilities, emphasizing the need for the Iraqi government to take action against these groups.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics argue that al-Sudani's government has failed to effectively control the PMF, which is perceived as being complicit in attacks against US interests. A Kurdish official noted that many PMF leaders are part of al-Sudani’s coalition, complicating efforts to rein in militia activities. The ongoing violence has raised concerns about Iraq's stability and its ability to navigate the competing influences of the US and Iran.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the number of casualties from the recent strikes, with reports varying on the total number of PMF fighters killed and injured. Additionally, while the PMF claims that the strikes are part of a coordinated US-Israeli campaign, neither country has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks.
What's Next
As the conflict continues to escalate, Iraq's government faces increasing pressure to address the militia issue while maintaining its diplomatic relations with both the US and Iran. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further violence as PMF factions threaten retaliation if their conditions for a ceasefire are not met. The Iraqi government has vowed to pursue legal action regarding the attacks on PMF units, indicating a complex and ongoing struggle for control and stability within the country.
