An aerial attack on a military base in western Iraq’s Anbar province has killed seven fighters and wounded 13, according to Iraq’s Ministry of Defence. The strikes targeted the military healthcare clinic at the base in Habbaniyah, which was called a “heinous crime” by the ministry. A police source told Al Jazeera that the attack hit positions of the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), which share the base with Iraq’s regular army. This marks an escalation as it is the first time the PMF has been targeted alongside the broader Iraqi military.
Why It Matters
The attack on the PMF in Iraq’s Anbar province is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between pro-Iran armed groups and the United States in the region. The escalating violence indicates an increased focus on targeting Iran-aligned forces in Iraq, further intensifying the already tense situation in the country. The involvement of the PMF, a powerful paramilitary force, raises concerns about the potential for further retaliation and escalation in the conflict between different factions operating in Iraq.
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