Al-Khazali Says PMF Strike Violates Iraq’s Sovereignty

Qais al-Khazali: Alleged U.S.-Saudi Attack on PMF Violates Iraq’s Sovereignty

Shiite News: Sheikh Qais al-Khazali, Secretary-General of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, has strongly condemned what he described as a U.S.-Saudi attack on facilities belonging to Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, he expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Al-Khazali said that targeting an Iraqi security force on Iraqi soil constitutes a clear violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. He argued that, at a time when the Iraqi government is trying to keep the country away from further escalation, such actions would complicate both the security and political situation.

He further stated that if foreign countries that describe themselves as Iraq’s allies or friendly nations attack Iraqi security personnel and kill Iraqi servicemen, it represents not only a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty but also an affront to the country’s national dignity and honor—something he said no patriotic Iraqi could accept.

Al-Khazali also called for completing the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Iraq and urged the government to acquire advanced air defense systems so the country can effectively protect its airspace. He added that Iraqi forces are fully capable of defending the country on the ground and warned that any further escalation by hostile forces would carry serious consequences.

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The article further claims that a joint U.S.-Saudi operation the previous day destroyed 20 PMF headquarters across Iraq, killing 20 fighters and injuring 32 others. It also claims that Yemeni armed forces targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, temporarily disrupting airport operations, and states that Iran’s Supreme Leader issued a message expressing support for Hezbollah.