Airstrikes Kill PMF Commander, 14 Fighters in Western Iraq

Airstrikes on a facility belonging to Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Anbar province have killed at least 15 fighters, including a senior commander, according to security and health officials.

In a statement, the PMF confirmed the death of its Anbar operations commander, Saad al-Baiji, along with 14 others. The group said the strike targeted a command headquarters while personnel were on duty.

Health sources reported that about 30 people were wounded, some critically, warning that the death toll could rise.

Officials said the attack struck during a security meeting attended by senior PMF commanders.

The PMF—also known as Hashd al-Shaabi—is a coalition of mostly Shi’ite paramilitary factions that have been formally incorporated into Iraq’s state security structure. Several of its factions maintain close ties to Iran.

The group accused the United States of carrying out the airstrike. There was no immediate response from U.S. officials.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions. Iran-aligned groups have stepped up attacks on U.S. military positions in Iraq following the outbreak of hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran earlier this year.

The conflict has expanded across the region, with strikes and counterstrikes involving Israel, Iran, and allied forces, raising concerns about a broader escalation.