Iraqi Leaders Condemn U.S.-Israeli Airstrikes as Violations of Sovereignty

Tehran, Iran Jul 30, 2026 ALN: Iraqi officials expressed outrage following U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of more than two dozen members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), describing the attacks as a blatant violation of the country's sovereignty. The PMF has been a significant player in Iraq's security landscape since its formation in 2014, and these recent airstrikes have reignited tensions surrounding the role of foreign military forces in Iraq.

Initial reports indicate that approximately 30 PMF soldiers were killed and many more injured in the strikes that targeted their positions in the Akashat and al-Qaim areas of Anbar province, located near the Iraqi-Syrian border. This region has long been considered strategically important for border security and military logistics, as it is a critical junction for both Iraq and Syria, especially in relation to the ongoing conflicts and the movement of various armed groups.

The airstrikes hit PMF positions in a desert region considered strategically important for border security and military logistics. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, who also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, condemned the attacks as “blatant aggression” against PMF units. His condemnation reflects a broader sentiment among Iraqi leaders who feel that their sovereignty is being undermined by foreign military interventions.

“This systematic and repeated aggression, targeting sites and headquarters without discrimination, is not just a military breach, but a desperate attempt to confuse matters, disrupt social peace, and undermine the security gains achieved with the blood of Iraqis,” Al Sudani stated. His remarks underscore the fragile state of security in Iraq, where the PMF has been instrumental in combating the threat posed by extremist groups such as Daesh.

Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji echoed these sentiments, labeling the strike a “cowardly terrorist attack” that violated Iraq’s sovereignty. He extended condolences to the PMF leadership and the families of the victims, wishing a swift recovery to those injured. The use of such strong language indicates the level of anger and frustration among Iraqi officials regarding foreign military actions that they perceive as direct assaults on their national integrity.

The Iraqi Joint Operations Command also condemned the airstrikes, stating that they were closely monitoring what they termed “blatant and brutal attacks” against PMF soldiers, who were performing their duties alongside other Iraqi security forces. This coordination between the PMF and the Iraqi military highlights the complex security dynamics in Iraq, where various factions often work together to address shared threats, despite their differing political affiliations.

Officials warned that such repeated attacks could complicate security assessments in the country and risk undermining the social stability achieved after years of conflict. The attacks have ignited widespread anger among Iraqis, who view them as assaults on the nation’s sovereignty and on forces that played a crucial role in defending the country during its most challenging times. The PMF, for many Iraqis, symbolizes a collective effort against terrorism and foreign intervention, making these airstrikes particularly provocative.

The Joint Operations Command held the United States accountable for the consequences of the strike, noting that it followed earlier incidents targeting sites across Iraq, including in the Suwayrah District. This pattern of attacks suggests a broader strategy aimed at undermining Iranian influence in the region, as the PMF is often associated with Iran-backed militias. The U.S. has long viewed Iran's influence in Iraq with suspicion, leading to a series of military operations that have often resulted in collateral damage to Iraqi forces.

Iraqi authorities characterized these operations as direct affronts to Iraq’s dignity and sovereignty. Security officials emphasized that Iraqi security forces, including PMF units, have maintained high professionalism while carrying out their mission of protecting the country and preserving the security gains achieved after the defeat of Daesh. The PMF was established in 2014 in response to the rapid advances of Daesh, which seized vast areas of Iraqi territory and threatened major cities, including Baghdad. The force emerged following a mobilization call from senior Shia scholar Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and played a significant role in liberating territory previously held by Daesh.

In 2016, the Iraqi parliament passed legislation formally recognizing the PMF as part of the country’s official security apparatus, integrating it into the state structure under government authority. This legitimization has allowed the PMF to operate alongside the Iraqi military, yet it has also complicated Iraq's internal politics, as various factions within the PMF align with different political groups and foreign powers.

Separate from the PMF, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq traces its origins back to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and subsequent occupation, which gave rise to resistance factions that targeted U.S. forces during the occupation years. These factions have opened a “support front” in solidarity with Iran amid ongoing conflicts involving the U.S. and Israel, emphasizing their focus on targeting U.S. military bases in Iraq and the wider region. The emergence of these groups reflects the enduring legacy of the U.S. invasion and the complex interplay of sectarian and geopolitical interests in Iraq.

In response to the recent airstrikes, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced that it shot down a U.S. KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft in western Iraq, claiming to have used appropriate weapons. They also reported targeting a second KC-135 aircraft, which sustained damage but managed to land safely. The downing of U.S. aircraft is a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and highlights the growing capabilities of Iraqi resistance factions, which have increasingly employed advanced weaponry in their operations.

The Iraqi resistance front stated that these attacks were carried out in defense of Iraq’s sovereignty and airspace, which had been violated by U.S. aircraft. They claimed to have conducted 31 operations in a short time, employing dozens of drones and missiles against U.S. bases in Iraq and the region. This increase in operational tempo indicates a shift in tactics among Iraqi militias, as they seek to assert their influence and retaliate against perceived aggressions.

According to reports, a U.S. official confirmed that at least five crew members were aboard the KC-135 when it crashed. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that rescue operations were underway after the military refueling aircraft was lost in Iraqi airspace during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. This incident underscores the precarious nature of U.S. military operations in the region, where the risk of confrontation with local forces is ever-present.

CENTCOM clarified that two aircraft were involved in the incident: one crashed in western Iraq, while the other landed safely. They emphasized that the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. However, reports indicated that the second aircraft, which landed in Tel Aviv, had also sustained damage. An Iraqi intelligence source claimed that the first aircraft crashed near Trebil on the Iraq-Jordan border, with Israeli media estimating its value at around $200 million. The loss of such an expensive asset raises questions about the effectiveness of U.S. air operations in a region fraught with hostility.

In a separate incident, a U.S. military medical evacuation flight transported approximately 19 U.S. soldiers, including two injured in a drone explosion near their vehicle, from Saudi Arabia to a U.S. base in Germany. This incident further illustrates the risks faced by U.S. personnel in the region, as they continue to navigate a complex and hostile environment. The ongoing violence and instability in Iraq not only threaten the safety of foreign troops but also raise concerns about the long-term implications for Iraq's sovereignty and security.

The situation remains fluid, with Iraqi leaders calling for increased vigilance and unity among security forces to counter foreign interventions. As the conflict evolves, the Iraqi government will face mounting pressure to assert its sovereignty and protect its military forces from external threats, while also navigating the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that characterize the region's geopolitics.