Iraqi Shi'ite paramilitary forces suffered a devastating blow on Tuesday as an airstrike on their Anbar command headquarters killed 14 fighters, including operations commander Saad Daway al-Baiji. The attack also left over 30 others wounded, with several in critical condition.
The strike marked one of the deadliest single attacks on PMF personnel since the regional conflict began on February 28. The group has been targeted by airstrikes across multiple governorates, resulting in dozens of fatalities.
The PMF described the attack as a "treacherous" and "flagrant violation of Iraq's sovereignty." The group mourned the loss of the heroic mujahideen who were martyred alongside Commander al-Baiji.
The airstrike on the Al-Jazeera Operations Command in Jurf al-Nasr, Babil governorate, also left two fighters from the 47th Brigade wounded. This site had been struck four times on Sunday, wounding one member of a medical unit.
The attacks come amid broader regional tensions following the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The strikes have sparked retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Israel has carried out attacks in Lebanon after cross-border fire by Iran-aligned Hezbollah.
The airstrike on Iraqi Shi'ite paramilitary forces is a stark reminder of the escalating regional tensions in the Middle East. The loss of Commander Saad Daway al-Baiji and 14 other fighters is a significant blow to the PMF. This development raises questions about the role of external forces in the conflict and the impact on the region's stability. The PMF's operations in Anbar governorate will likely be severely affected by this loss.
