Iraq Protests US Airstrikes: 22+ Killed in 24 Hours | UN Complaint Filed
Baghdad, Iraq – The Iraqi government has formally protested to the United States over recent airstrikes within its borders, which have resulted in at least 22 deaths in the past 24 hours. The escalating tensions come amidst a broader regional context of conflict, fueled by the ongoing war between Israel, the United States and Iran, and the complex role of Iran-aligned militias operating within Iraq.
On , Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, who also serves as the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces, ordered the summoning of the U.S. Chargé d’affaires in Baghdad. The purpose was to deliver a note of protest
regarding the airstrikes, according to a statement released by the Iraqi government.
The protest underscores Iraq’s firm and unwavering position on preserving Iraqi sovereignty
and condemns what the government deems irresponsible actions that constitute a heinous crime,
as articulated by government spokesperson Sabah al-Noaman. The Iraqi government views the strikes against bases used by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) – a coalition of predominantly Shiite militias integrated into the Iraqi army – as counterproductive to efforts aimed at achieving sustainable stability in the region.
The latest incidents include a Wednesday airstrike on a PMF base in the Al Anbar province, resulting in seven fatalities and thirteen injuries. This followed a similar attack on Tuesday, which claimed the lives of fifteen PMF fighters. Both attacks are attributed to U.S. Military aviation. The intensification of these strikes coincides with the one-month anniversary of the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, a conflict that has resonated with various Iraqi Shiite groups, many of whom are affiliated with the PMF.
The Iraqi government, although allied with Washington, maintains that the PMF is now an integral part of its armed forces. It has repeatedly rejected U.S. Attacks on PMF bases. However, Baghdad also condemns the attacks on U.S. Military installations in Iraq carried out by Iraqi groups sympathetic to Iran. This delicate balancing act highlights the complex geopolitical pressures facing Iraq as it attempts to navigate the escalating regional tensions.
The government’s statement emphasized that despite all the political and practical efforts of Iraq to stay away from the ongoing conflict in the region… and to stop the fighting and restore security… the attacks against our military units have continued.
This has led to a firm assertion of Iraq’s right to respond by all available means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,
and a warning that it will not remain passive in the face of the sanctity of the blood of our heroic martyrs.
Beyond the immediate security concerns, the Iraqi government also expressed concern about the broader implications for bilateral relations with the United States. The statement warned that the airstrikes harm the relationship that unites the peoples of Iraq and the United States
and constitute a flagrant crime that violates
Iraqi sovereignty.
The situation reflects a broader pattern of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. Has been increasingly assertive in its response to attacks on its personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria, which it attributes to Iran-backed militias. These militias, while officially part of the Iraqi security forces, maintain close ties to Tehran and often operate with a degree of autonomy. The recent U.S. Strikes are widely seen as a signal of Washington’s determination to deter further attacks and to limit Iran’s influence in the region.
The NATO mission in Iraq is currently being evacuated, according to reports from RTVE.es. This withdrawal, prompted by the escalating conflict, further complicates the security landscape in Iraq and raises questions about the future of international efforts to stabilize the country.
Venezuela has also brought international attention to perceived external pressures, denouncing what it calls a petroleum blockade
by the United States before the UN Security Council, as reported by France 24. While seemingly unrelated to the Iraqi situation, this highlights a broader trend of regional actors challenging perceived U.S. Influence and seeking greater autonomy.
The current situation echoes past conflicts, with some observers drawing parallels to the lead-up to the Iraq War, as noted by Peoples Dispatch. The potential for further escalation remains high, and the coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation can be de-escalated or whether it will spiral into a wider regional conflict.